9 Tips to Ignore the Body Image Shamers
Do you sense people around you, talking about your weight? Is this a familiar feeling that maybe you’ve experienced for a long time, like since your school days? Maybe your the one that bullies made fun of openly at school. Kids can be openly cruel. But now you feel it in their looks and whispers even it it’s not said to your face.
Some people never seem to be offended by anything another person does or says. Others are so sensitive that they’re practically offended by the way someone breathes. You have reason to be offended when someone openly criticizes your body. But being oversensitive can be result of perfectionism or low self esteem. If this is you then that’s good news! It means that you’re the cause of your feelings. You have the power to change your responses.
Free yourself from feeling offended:
1) Assume positive intentions.
Not everyone has a great mastery of their English vocabulary. Some people have a knack of saying things the wrong way. Until you’re certain, assume that the potential offender had good intentions, yet poor technique. Focus on the theme of the comment and don’t allow yourself to assume what’s behind the words. Assumptions can cause all sorts of challenges. Avoid assuming the worst until you have facts to back up those beliefs.
2) Consider that they might be right. I know you don’t want to hear that.
Now, no one likes to be criticized, especially about our body. I know I don’t. But no one is perfect all the time. Words can be hurtful to us but we also know that we probably haven’t been as successful with maintaining our weight as we would wish. So, know that you will continue to strive in your own way and allow a comment, especially if there’s some truth to it, to roll off your back.
3) Ask yourself why you feel offended in the first place.
What’s the cause? For example, if you’re offended that your friend is 20 minutes late, what is the source of your frustration? Is it the inconvenience? The belief that your friend doesn’t respect your time? Your belief that responsible people are timely, and you don’t like irresponsible people?
If you’re offended, when someone talks about eating healthy because you feel they are thinking you should be eating all salads, take stock of your own feelings. Maybe that person meant that but they might only be talking about themselves. Think where your irritation is coming from. The more you think your body and life should be a certain way only, the more dissatisfied you’re going to be every day.
4) Allow others to be themselves.
No one is roaming the Earth trying to make you miserable. Everyone is living their life in their own way and they may have faced some hard times before they met you. At times, our lives intersect, and the opportunity for someone to be unhappy is present. When a person is hurtful, think about how they may have been hurt. Some people may be too brusque or shallow. Give them permission to be a jerk but give yourself the gift of a new reaction, which is one of polite calm and even a bit of humor.
5) Choose not to be offended. You can choose your response to any situation.
You don’t have to become upset and stew when someone does or says something you don’t like. You can choose to ignore the situation and move on. You can choose to consider the action or comment from a different perspective.
6) Be forgiving.
The longer you hold onto negative feelings, the longer you’re hurting yourself. Forgive others so you can move forward with your life. Tapping can help you do it. And if you need help resolving and forgiving, hypnotherapy can get you through and to the other side of forgiveness which is freedom.
7) Accept yourself.
Often times, we’re offended because we don’t like the truth. No one wants to be called fat, lazy, short, or impatient. But some of us are those things. We just don’t like to be reminded of the truth! Accept your lack of perfection and celebrate the unique person you are. You have good qualities too. Be glad about who you are!
8) Build your self-esteem. Studies show that those most easily offended often have low levels of self-esteem.
When you feel better about yourself, you won’t be so easily bothered by the words and behavior of others. That’s where hypnosis can really change your thinking around. With hypnosis and a little practice, you can change negative thoughts and negative thinking.
9) Realize how you’re hurting yourself by being overly sensitive.
If you’re easily offended, you’re not very happy in general. It simply isn’t possible. When you realize how much your sensitivity is costing you, it will be easier to change. How has being offended cost you in the past? Has it cost you friendships, family relationships maybe even jobs? Then it’s time to close the book on being over sensitive before it costs you even more.
An African proverb states, “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” The ability to appreciate and accept yourself determines how easily you’re offended. When you can accept your imperfections and those of others, it’s very difficult to be offended. It’s important to give yourself and others the space to be themselves. If it is time for you to change your internal dialog, hypnotherapy can be a game changer for you. Set your appointment today. 574-658-4686
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
