Does Your Mirror Lie?

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

I found this to be very interesting reading. Enjoy;

When the Mirror Lies

By diane_petrella on Mar 01, 2012 10:00 AM in Dieting & You

By Diane Petrella, MSW

As you release weight from your body, do you still see a “fat” person in the mirror? Or do you see the thinner you beginning to emerge? When old images of yourself distort your perception, take charge and create a mind-set that accepts the changes you’re making.

Shift Your Self-Image

Many people see themselves as “fat” even when they release a significant amount of weight. This occurs because the inner pictures we hold of ourselves are very powerful. Even with concrete evidence, as in the numbers on a scale, our mind can distort reality to fit our familiar, negative self-image. To remedy this, as you release weight from your body learn to release the weight from your mind so you can emotionally adapt to the new you.

Here are four suggestions to help you see progress even when your eyes deceive you.

1. Record Your Successes

Keep a log of how many pounds you’ve released, changes in clothes size, improvement in exercise and ways your body moves more easily. Include compliments received from friends. For a stronger effect, post these successes on your mirror. Use these reminders as concrete evidence of your new weight and the healthy changes you’re making.

2. Create New Affirmations

Release old ways of thinking and affirm the new you with positive thoughts. For example, when you catch yourself saying, “I’m fat”, tell yourself firmly, “Stop. That’s an old way of thinking. I release that thought as I release excess weight. I am healthy and fit.” When you first say this, it may feel contrived. That’s OK. Say it anyway. Act “as if” it is true, which, in fact, it is as confirmed by the physical evidence you have. After a while saying these positive affirmations, and seeing yourself as thinner, feels more natural.

3. Connect With Your Body

While our eyes sometimes distort the image we see in a mirror, our body itself communicates the truth. Close your eyes and tune into your body. Feel your body weighing less. Feel what it’s like to wear looser fitting clothes. Feel your body move easily. As you connect with how your body feels, your new self-image begins to merge with the new body you’re creating.

4. Visualize Your Goal Weight

Close your eyes and imagine reaching your goal weight. For example, see yourself walking along the street feeling confident and moving your body with ease. The mind doesn’t know the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined so when you visualize you’re actually sending the message to your subconscious mind that you’ve reached your goal. This helps you reprogram limiting beliefs into positive pictures of success.

Go Deeper if Necessary

While the above suggestions help develop confidence, sometimes deeper issues related to earlier traumatic experiences cloud our perception. The “fat person” in the mirror may reflect pain from the past and won’t leave until she’s noticed. If this applies to you, please seek out professional support. By learning to love and comfort your “inner child”, you become emotionally safe to release excess weight with confidence.

Your thoughts...

Who do you see in the mirror?

Diane Petrella, MSW is a psychotherapist and life coach. She offers her clients a spiritual approach to weight release and helps them develop a loving, respectful relationship with their bodies. Receive a free copy of Diane’s Seven Easy & Effortless Weight Loss Secrets by signing up for her monthly e-newsletter, Living Lightly, for spiritual insights and tips to release weight with confidence and love. To contact Diane visit www.dianepetrella.com.

[mnbsleeve 87]

I've been looking for this one at IKEA!

[eylish 23]

It's funny but mine lies to me now, it makes me think I am thinner then I really am so when I see pics or videos of myself I think holy frig am I that huge!!!!! I always had a positive self image and hope I can keep it after I have my surgery.

[Felicia 28]

I have a horrible self image. I ALWAYS see a fatter girl in the mirror. I also have a hard time believing anyones compliments. I know in time I will see myself as thinner, but for now I still see a fat girl. Sometimes I do see a thinner me, but it doesn't happen very often. I guess this is due to me always being overweight and it's going to take a long time before my mind understands that I am different. If I get down to my goal weight and I am still seeing a fat girl, it's time for some professional help LoL.

[Bedhead 158]

I always think I look great in the mirror- then I see a picture of myself and am horrified at how big I am!

[Lilu 65]

It's funny but mine lies to me now, it makes me think I am thinner then I really am so when I see pics or videos of myself I think holy frig am I that huge!!!!! I always had a positive self image and hope I can keep it after I have my surgery.

My mirror lies to it depends what I wear. If I have black on I look thin but when I wear my night shirt I look hugh. LOL

I really don't worry about that because my self esteem is high. I am looking forward to my surgery so that the mirror won't lie to me.

[coops 1,790]

This is a very relevant post for me, thanks for posting it dorrie... i will defo try some of the hints as this is one area that I really do need to work on; my self esteem is shockingly low! I act like I am confident... but not 'really' ... if that makes sense!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Coop ~ We all have time where we present our exteriors as confident, but inside, we're not. I call it my prasod! I'm learning to just be me and that I'm okay with who I am. It's wonder land for me. LOL