Body image and self esteem are complex things.  None of us know why we see ourselves the way we do, but we do know that what other people see doesn’t really change what we feel about ourselves.  Our body image and self esteem come from past experiences and our own minds and they can be hard to change.

One way we can keep or improve our body image and self esteem is to treat our bodies special.  We can start by eating well, combing our hair, getting our sleep, bathing often enough to smell good and trying to wear clean clothes every day.

It also helps to keep fun people nearby, the kind of people who look and act like they like us.  If we notice a particular person often says mean or hurtful things, it helps to stay away from them as much as possible.  Sometimes, even with family, we have to love them from a safe distance.

IF WE ARE NOT SURE SOMEONE IS GOOD FOR US, IT CAN HELP TO TALK TO OUR DOCTORS OR OTHER MEDICAL PROVIDERS BECAUSE THEIR JOBS ARE TO HELP US TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES AND TO LOVE WHO WE ARE, BOTH IN OUR BODIES AND IN OUR MINDS. TALK TO THEM.  THEY THINK EVERY ONE OF US IS BEAUTIFUL.