Don't be so hard on yourself.

Do youever stand in front of the mirror and think or say things about yourself you'dnever tolerate coming from another person? We all do that. It's sad. The nexttime you're tempted to seek answers from the person in the mirror, insist uponkindness.
Here,imagine I'm your mirror.
"Ugh, Ifeel fat. Why can't I lose this extra weight around the middle?""You'renot fat; you're healthy. You don't have any magazine covers to shoot, and thoseare all airbrushed anyway. I love your curves."
"Morewrinkles. I guess it's time for Botox.""Youearned every wrinkle you have and if you keep trying to smooth them out, you'regoing to make it worse. You know how you can pick out every person who has hadwork done, right? It doesn't look natural. Stop fighting it and age gracefully.People will love you with or without a few wrinkles."
"I'm sostupid. I can't believe I did that.""It wasa mistake, darling. We all make them. You will either learn from it or beatyourself up and be destined to repeat it. Why don't you forgive yourself andshrug it off?"
"I lovethis person so dearly. Why isn't my love returned?""Becausethat person is unaware, selfish, or simply not worthy. See your love as adonation and move on to a more deserving recipient."
"Gosh, Ilook horrible in this outfit. I don't know what to wear.""Actually,you look splendid, but if you feel more comfortable in something else, change.Your attitude shows more about you than your outfit does. Wear confidence andyou'll be admired."
"Everythingseems to be spinning out of control. Why can't I catch a break?""We allneed to play through our slumps. Put away that white flag, pick yourself up,and try again."
"I'm sotired of seeing all the happy couples. Why can't I find my soul mate?""Don't assumethat every couple is happy. The most attractive people are those who are happyalone because they don't place all the pressure of their happiness upon theirpartners. Do what it takes to appreciate your serenity and watch the soul matescome knocking."
"I can'tbelieve that person hurt me.""Insteadof seeing it as something he did to you,see it as something he did for himself.Few people wish to cause pain to others. They're too selfish or blind torealize the effect their actions have."
"It'soff to another depressing day at work.""Quit.Go to work and resign today, then start looking for the job you want. It's outthere. Don't worry about the salary. When you find work you love to do, the paywill come. The ideal job is  waiting for you, not waiting to come toyou."
Dowhatever it takes to rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. Think about howattractive a confident person is to you. You're no different. If you continue abusingyourself, you'll invite abusive people into your life. Praise yourself and you'llbe surrounded by appreciative people.
I, forone, think you're magnificent. Now, pay it forward.