The rallying cry goes, “When will we accept ourselves as we are?” We look around, but to whom are we speaking? We finally turn and face… ourselves. It starts with us. Yes, the messages are everywhere—magazines, billboards, movies and on television. We are shown what “perfection” is and how it leads to a happier, more fulfilling and definitely more exciting life. We then glance down at our own thighs, stomach, clothes or (fill in the blank) and we come up short. Is it upsetting? Yes! Is it tragic that eating disorders are so prevalent and starting in younger and younger girls? Yes! And, once again, the change must begin with us.

Where do we start? We start by practicing Shameless Self-Acceptance. What does this mean? It means self-acceptance in a way you never have before. It means standing tall and walking proudly even when you don’t feel like it. It means accepting yourself as you are right now. Not ten pounds from now, not 1000 sit-ups from now, not a new wardrobe from now, not a shot of Botox from now… Right now! It means being kind to yourself when you are in your darkest moments. It means believing in yourself even when the chips are down. It means knowing things will work out even when you have no evidence that you might be right.

It also means unabashedly celebrating your successes; being playful and joyful whenever you are moved and appreciating the moments in between.

Some examples of Shameless Self-Acceptance:

• Jumping out of bed and exclaiming, “Here I come, world!”
• Singing full force as you greet the rising sun.
• Wearing vivid colors on a dreary day.
• Putting on bright lipstick and kissing the mirror while pronouncing, “You look marvelous!”
• Wearing that hot black dress you have been saving for that special occasion—maybe even wearing it to the grocery store.
• Being kind to everyone you encounter. Yes, that’s right, everyone…

To begin:

First, ask yourself these searching and fearless questions: Are you willing to do what it takes? Are you prepared to accept yourself no matter what? Are you ready to practice Shameless Self-Acceptance? Tell the truth! What are your reservations? Why might you have them? Are you afraid you will be viewed as cocky or boastful? Take some time to write your answers in a journal.

Then find an accountability buddy. Someone who you know is ready to practice Shameless Self-Acceptance or someone who could use a little encouragement. Brainstorm together about things you can do. What would shake things up? What would have you experience a new way of being? Use some of the examples above and create your own. Agree on the ways you will hold each other to account. Make it into a game. Carry a notebook with you and jot down the negative thoughts and comments that you find yourself saying throughout the day. On another page, jot down the positive ones. Tally them up at the end of the day. What would it take to have the “positive” page win?

Often, you will find that the “negative” comments are not very creative (or interesting for that matter) and they fall into one of a few themes:

1. There is something wrong with me.

2. There is something wrong with the world.

3. There is something wrong with someone else.

Most of the time, we excel at finding what is wrong—with your buddy, share the truth of how frequently you find yourself speaking or thinking along these lines.

Now, take it up a notch. Notice how often you buy into all the messages of unattainable perfection that are out there. For one week, write down all the messages you receive from the magazines you read, shows you watch, billboards you see. Share this with your buddy. What are you willing to do about this? A media boycott? A letter to the editor? A refusal to purchase certain products? What actions are you willing to take?

Here’s the kicker: if you have kids, look at the messages they are receiving from you, their peers and from the media. Not so great, right? Even if you don’t have your own children, you must have dear friends with children or nieces and nephews. What messages do you want them to receive? What message do you wish you had received when you were growing up? What do you want for future generations?

As Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Is this a tall order? It depends on our willingness to buck the status quo.

Who knows, maybe you can start a movement—one of Shameless Self-Acceptance. What would the world look like then?