[Artchic528]

This is what works for me, but it might not necessarily work for everyone. I stand in front of a mirror in nothing but a smile and tell myself I am a beautiful woman. I say it over and over and over until I feel it in every fiber of my being and my reflection looks increasing beautiful every time I say it. I do that if I need a boost, or if I'm feeling particularly ugly at the time.

I hope you all find the beauty about yourself that you deserve to feel.

[Fresia]

This is lovely, Artchic528.

I read a meditation once from Thich Nhat Hanh that I say often:

May I be a peace.
May my heart remain open.
May I know the beauty of my own true nature.
May I be healed.

It is only after the last 6 months that I have begun to smile - naturally. This is all due in part to therapy.

I was told to take a selfie of me smiling everyday. First it was forced and difficult but now I don't even think about it. It makes me feel better about myself to look at myself smiling back.

As mentioned repeatedly I have gained weight - 40lbs or more in 7 or so months. I recently realized it was my clothes that made me feel self conscious about my appearance. The fact they didn't fit properly accentuated the weight problem. Well, I recently got a few items that, while they are larger, fit well and I feel so much better about my appearance. I no longer feel I am standing out like a sore thumb. If I only realized this was the secret earlier.