Be Happy To Be Yourself

Comparing oneself to others is something that very often crops up during my working week where I teach all sorts of shapes, sizes, ages and abilities. People come to me at the end of their session and ask why can't they be as good as their neighbour?

It's so common and yet, no matter how many times I try to teach that it's all about acceptance, people still struggle to realise that no one else but themselves is important, and I try to help them understand the following...

Know that you are special. Stop comparison shopping and start living by your own lights. Control your natural desire to compare yourself with others; the important thing to remember is that you are good enough, just the way you are. There is no need to try to become someone else; you are unique and special, just believe this to be true.

Repeat the following mantra: I am happy to be me. Say it, sing it, shout it, write it, as many times a day as you can. Your sense of inner strength and self belief will increase and you will begin to let go of the need to compete.

Allow yourself to be yourself. Don't waste your life trying to be Superwoman or some other mythical creature who is more talented/more beautiful/more deserving than you! Drop those defences and accept the real you: she is fabulous, talented and truly amazing!

Enjoy yourself. All this competition entering has made us very worried chicas (with such important concerns as: Does my bum look big in this? Am I too fat to wear a swimming costume? Is this piece of work really good enough or do I need to go over it just in case..? Does he think I'm boring and uninteresting? Can I ever look as beautiful as Angelina Jolie?). Imagine giving advice to a grown-up daughter or really good friend, now give that advice to yourself.

Learn to be yourself.