Natural Breasts

We know that positive body image and a healthy mental attitude play an important role in a woman's happiness and wellness. But there is considerable social pressure for women to measure up to a particular narrowly defined standard of beauty that is compulsively advertised in magazines, television and in movies. On top of this, or perhaps because of this, we have a societal obsession with breasts. It's a vicious cycle that can only be controlled by the breast owner herself. By accepting and appreciating your own natural breasts and bodies you will enjoy an increase in the quality of your life and wellness.

Here are some guidelines adapted from BodyLove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves, Rita Freeman, PhD, which can help you work toward a positive body image and a love of your breasts:

1. Listen to your body. Eat healthy food when you are hungry.
   
2. Be realistic about the size you are. You are likely to be based on your genetic and environmental history.
   
3. Exercise regularly in an enjoyable way, regardless of your size.
   
4. Expect normal weekly and monthly changes in your weight and shape.
   
5. Work towards self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. Be gentle with yourself.
   
6. Ask for support and encouragement from friends and family when life is stressful.
   
7. Decide how you wish to spend your energy -- pursuing the "perfect body image" or enjoying family, friends, school and most importantly life.

The following list of books offers wonderful insights and resources for you in your journey of positive body image:

• The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women; by Naomi Wolf
• Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty; by Nancy Etcoff
• The Body Image Workbook: An 8-Step Program for Learning to Like Your Looks; by Thomas F. Cash, Ph.D.