I would have to say that I am my biggest critic. When I look into a mirror and see myself I find myself wishing that my skin didn’t have so may freckles, that I didn’t break out so often, I wish my breasts were a little larger, my butt a little smaller, and even my tummy a little flatter. I find that we sometimes become so consumed by our little imperfections that we forget the things we like about ourselves. We punish ourselves internally because we’re not what we think is perfect. Weight troubles and self-esteem issues come hand-in-hand. Sometimes all it can take is one comment to get someone who’s feeling down to feel high as a kite, or to send him or her over the edge. I know that when someone tells me I look pretty or beautiful, especially a man I fancy, that I may not fully believe I am but makes me feel very happy. I also find that women are less likely to tell each other that we look good, or that we like what the other is wearing. Competition is fierce between us, but if we already beat ourselves up inside, being beaten up by others isn’t very great. My personal mission for the week is to compliment at least one other woman.

Speaking of compliments, we should compliment ourselves more often. When I stand in front of the mirror now instead of focusing on what I want to change I try to focus on what I like about myself. Try and boost my self-esteem a little. The better you feel about yourself, the more confidence you have. And confidence is key to everything you do, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

Support is very important to weight loss and dieting, it is for any important, life altering decision you make. But your support group should always start with you, if you’re not confident in your decision it’ll be hard to convince other people to support you. Instead of thinking “I’d like me better if I were just a little bit lighter,” I try and think “I’d be able to dance for longer,” or even “I’d be able to do more of the things I love if I lost a little weight.” They may not be perfect statements, but they don’t put me down.

Confidence and self-esteem are two things inexplicably tied to each other and tied to the troubles that come with weight gain, and with dieting. If we’re too hard on ourselves, and constantly berate ourselves for not being perfect no comment, not even a suave young George Clooney praising our beauty, will change our minds. Focus on the things you like about yourself, and the rest will follow. Personally I love my hair color, it’s a pretty red color…but I digress. What I’m trying to say is be nicer to yourself, losing weight will be easier, and your confidence will increase.