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Learn to Love the Skin You're In

By: Kathy Smith

The next time you find yourself hating some part of your body, give one of these tricks a try:

Body Image Boosters

Soft Focus
Whenever you stare in the mirror and fixate on a flaw, take a few steps back. Smile. Squint your eyes and peer through your eyelashes if you have to. See yourself in soft focus -- the way the rest of the world does. Then, instead of focusing on your less-than-perfect parts, focus on the good things you do with the help of your body. Maybe it's hugging your children or loving your spouse or planting your garden or making a great presentation at work. Remind yourself to put on this "soft-focus lens" whenever you start getting critical.

Accentuate the Positive
You probably know what your least favorite features are -- but which features are you really happy with? Maybe you have clear, supple skin. Or tapered fingers. Or shiny, healthy hair. When you're down, lavish some attention on one of your favorite features. Apply your favorite vitamin-enriched face cream, get a manicure, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment. Or draw attention to your prettiest parts by adorning yourself with your favorite accessories.

The Feel-Good Box
Find a pretty box or basket and every time you get a compliment, write it down on a piece of paper and drop it in. Every time you get a gift from a friend or family member -- save the card in your Feel-Good Box. When you read a quote that touches you, add it to the collection. When you get flowers, dry a few and throw them in as well. This should be like a keepsake box, but only items that conjure up good feelings are allowed! When you're blue, the Feel-Good Box should be the first place you turn.

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