The fashion and beauty industry suggests that we just need to buy the right dress, cream or get some surgery and we’ll be fine. But we’re not. Many women admit that a bad hair day or a glance in the mirror is often enough to make the rest of their day go south. Find out how you can create self-confidence from the inside-out.
When you look in the mirror, do you love what you see? Most women don’t and they feel pressured to change their appearance to feel better about their bodies.
The fashion and beauty industry suggests that we just need to buy the right dress, cream or get some surgery and we’ll be fine. But we’re not. Many women admit that a bad hair day or a glance in the mirror is often enough to make the rest of their day go south.
Self-Confidence from the Inside Out?
The beauty company Dove is famous for launching campaigns that empower women and girls. Back in April 2014, Dove led a social experiment in an effort to find out if beauty and confidence is more than skin deep.
A group of women were chosen to try out a new beauty product patch manufactured by Dove called RB-X. The volunteers were asked to wear the patch for two weeks and document their experience of wearing it, sharing how they felt in a video diary.
Some of the changes they noticed were:
- They felt beautiful despite noticing their flaws
- They took more pictures of themselves
- They accepted compliments more willingly
- They stopped comparing themselves to others
- They spent more time appreciating their unique beauty
- They focused on their signature strengths
- They were happier
- They had more energy
By the end of the experiment, Dove revealed that there was actually no secret beauty ingredient in the patch. The women were amazed that they could feel more beautiful and confident without changing anything on their bodies.
Psychologist, and Body Image expert, Ann Kearney-Cook explains the secret by saying, “with the Dove’s patch study, I think it’s very clear that beauty is just a state of mind. And once you’re in that state of mind the compass of direction is within you.
Is Feeling Beautiful a Choice?
When you make the choice to feel beautiful, then you will be seen by yourself and others as beautiful. Sounds simple, but it certainly isn’t easy because so many women struggle with a negative body image and don’t believe that they are beautiful.
Let me ask you, have you ever played the body comparison game and felt that you came up short? When is the last time that you stood in front of a fitting room mirror and felt frustrated, sorry for yourself, infuriated, resentful or even disgusted?
Ever wonder if and how the way you see yourself could be affecting you? Join me next week for Part 2 and we’ll talk about the power of your self-image.
Andrea Amador, The Juicy Woman, self-confidence, Dove, Anne Kearney-Cooke, body hatred, Love Your Body Day,