Self Confidence--How to Have More No Matter What Size You Wear

By: Maureen Carney
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:41:15
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Self confidence, self esteem, feeling good about yourself--whatever you choose to call it--life can be a challenge if this quality eludes you. All kinds of people struggle with self confidence. It doesn’t seem to matter if a person is attractive or not, tall or short, or even fat or thin. The struggle is the same.

What is self confidence? Sometimes a simple dictionary sheds light on a topic. Webster defines confidence as “trust, reliance, certainty” and defines the word confident as “full of confidence, positive, bold.”

Interesting. I guess when I think of self confidence it does come down to trust--or belief--a certain knowing--knowing I can do something, be something, create something, knowing I’m worthy of whatever I am seeking--whether it be a job, housing, friends, love or even clothes that fit .

People who are overweight or obese are the target of stigma, bias and discrimination. It’s so ingrained in our society that overweight people think they deserve their plight, that it’s their own fault for allowing themselves to be fat. Because they feel they are to blame for their overweight condition, feeling confident , or having self confidence, is very difficult. They know on a cellular level that in the eyes of the rest of society, they are dirt, and that’s how they view themselves, too.

So, how does a person gain self confidence, even while they are overweight or obese?

The first step is to be aware that you are the victim of weight bias, stigma and discrimination. Remember the studies about innocent black children who preferred white dolls with blonde hair over black dolls with black curly hair? Those children learned at a very young age that society did not prefer them. It was a real awakening for people to realize the adverse affects that discrimination has on even innocent children. The awareness led to change. The same is true for overweight and obese people. Awareness is the first step to change.

OK. So now that I know how much society looks down on me because I am overweight or obese, how the heck can I feel better?

For one thing, understanding that obesity is a very complex condition and there are many factors that lead to this condition. Obesity is running rampant in our society, so it’s not only me. How about if we take a look at our food supplies.

Not only do we have a fast food restaurant on every corner that is more than happy to sell us a super sized meal, but we also have whole grocery stores full of highly processed foods filled with sugar, salt and fats. This food fills the stomach so we’re not hungry, but that doesn’t mean we are well nourished. Snack foods are a billion dollar industry and millions are spent on advertising to make us want to buy . Many people eat a steady diet of these kinds of foods because it is so convenient, readily available, inexpensive and tastes good.

Studies reveal that rats actually become addicted to sugar water. How about people? My own personal experience is that when I eat sugary food I am hungry shortly after and prompted to seek more sugary food. I hear from some researchers that my endorphins are increased when I eat this food and that gives me a sense of well being..

It costs a lot more to eat healthy whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only that, but it takes work to cook fresh healthy food. How many times have you bought fresh vegetables only to have them turn to moldy mush in your fridge?

Well, the picture is looking pretty grim. So far I am stigmatized by society, I have low self esteem, I’m not healthy, I’m a sugar addict, I can’t find clothes to fit, I’m discriminated against for jobs, medical care and housing, weight loss solutions don’t work, our food supplies are filled with empty calories, and others think it’s OK to call me names.

Are you gaining in self confidence yet? Wasn’t this article supposed to tell you how to have more self confidence no matter what size you wear? What’s with all this negativity?

If you are obese, you already know about all this stuff. You might never have acknowledged some of these things, but you have probably experienced most and you totally know what I am talking about. After all, you may be overweight or obese, but you are not dead..

So, let’s get down to it.

Here’s how you can have more self confidence no matter what size you wear:

Snap out of it!

Change your mind!

Quit being a victim. You can choose to suffer or you can choose to accept your greatness.

Recognize and appreciate your little victories.

Be grateful for your marvelous mind, your ability to see, think, hear, and walk.

Decide to love yourself enough.

Remember that definition of confident? “ full of confidence (trust, reliance, certainty), positive, bold?” Be positive. Be bold. Trust yourself. Be self-reliant.

Why not give it a try. You really have nothing to loose. Sure, this takes a little practice, but Rome was not built in a day. If you want and need support, visit www.GrandePetites.com. We understand that being overweight or obese is no picnic and we love you anyway, no matter what size you wear.

Article source: Expert Articles