WHY choose the road everyone goes?

WHY choose to fit in?

WHEN all it takes is to trust and talk.

Overall, life is your creation, so speak out and you’ll be HEARD!

By W.S., C.M. and C.M.

It’s important to do things that make us feel good. One thing you could do is the body image booster, which can help people feel better about themselves. Doing things that you enjoy, spending time with people that you like and thinking about things that you’re good at or like about yourself are all ways to feel better about yourself. Sometimes we feel bad about ourselves because of what people say about us or the messages we see and hear in the media. It’s important to be critical of what we see and hear, and remember that YOU ROCK!

It’s not fun to be teased for any reason: skinny, fat, short, tall, hair colour, etc. There are a few things you could do, depending on what works best for you. Some people choose to ignore it. Some people tell the person who is teasing that what they are doing is not ok. Some people compliment themselves and say nice things about their body and mind. Some people talk to someone else about what they are going through, like a guidance counsellor, teacher or phone line. Any of these approaches are fine. It’s important to remember that people come in all different shapes and sizes, and you’re perfect just the way you are. Remember to treat yourself well even if others aren’t. If someone is teasing you, they might have a problem that they need to deal with. You don’t need to change yourself for anyone!

This is a normal reaction to very abnormal messages from TV, movies, ads, etc. We are brainwashed to think only a certain look is beautiful. This is a strange way to think, especially if you realize how different we all look. There is a wide range of height, size, hair color, facial features etc. among people. Although many people try hard to look like the current standard of beauty, it would actually be pretty boring (and scary) if we all looked alike.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by negative feelings about yourself, there are lots of people out there that you can talk to. Speaking to friends or family members that you trust, or to a guidance counselor can be helpful. Also, calling a phone line is a great way to reach out and is totally anonymous. The Klinic Crisis Line at (204) 786-6868 is open 24/7 and free.

Finally, it is important to realize that you are an amazing unique individual. There is no one out there that is quite like you and you deserve to feel great about all of your being.

A lot of times, people may not know or feel like they are pretty or beautiful, even though everyone is beautiful in their own way. Negative messages about our bodies come from all directions in our society. Parents, friends, family, teachers, fashion industry, diet companies and the media put so much pressure on us to look a certain way. The media lies to us by saying there is only one type of body that is ok, and everyone should try to look like that.

The truth is there is no such thing as a “perfect” body. There is no way to look like the “ideal” bodies we see in the media. Some people feel like they have to change their appearances, even though they look fabulous the way they are! The images we see are there to make us all feel bad about our bodies so that we will buy the things the beauty and diet industries are trying to sell us. If they sold us the idea that health and beauty came in all different shapes and sizes, they wouldn’t make as much money!

By complimenting ourselves and one another on the things we love about our bodies and our personalities, we can begin to build a healthier body image.