Here's to 2012!

Here's to a brilliant 2012 to you and yours, filled with love, health, joy and a good dash of Guiltlessness!

The Guiltless Resolution

New Year's resolutions are personal and real. Every year when we ring a new one in, I set aside some time to really think about how I want to change for the better. How can I improve myself and my life? But all too often do we resolve to things that end up hurting us in the end. It's a crime to ourselves when we resolve to lose weight and then end up beating ourselves up over a cookie...or we decide we need to have a regimented gym schedule and end up hating ourselves on the afternoons when we really just need a nap - New Year's resolutions are scary b/c they can easily turn into a source of regret and guilt if not crafted with care.

Let's be Guiltless this year. It all comes down to one perfect resolution that we should all have: Be kind to myself.
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The key to making resolutions work is to pick ones that are actually good for you.

RESOLUTIONS THAT HURT:
1. Lose -insert#- pounds.
2. Eliminate -insert food- from my diet forever (even though I'm NOT allergic).
3. Run 6 miles every single day.

These types of resolutions are only setting you up for disappointment. They are restrictive and hard on you. You are immediately in their debt the minute you commit. There is no escape. Let's resolve to not resolve to these this year.

RESOLUTIONS THAT WORK:
1. Incorporate at least one fun activity into my life like hiking or swimming or kayaking or whatever you've been meaning to try.
2. Get even more comfortable in the kitchen by challenging myself with new, interesting, and colorful recipes or by purchasing that new appliance I've been saving for!
3. Spend more time with my loved ones and be more expressive about how important they are to me.
4. Schedule in "me-time" every week and give myself the attention I deserve.

Will you share one of your 2012 resolutions with us?

Self Worth in a Can

source

I doubt any of us found this under the Christmas tree yesterday.

Unfortunately last time I checked you can't buy Self-Worth in a can

But here's some gifts you can give your self to boost your own self-worth:

• Compliment at least one part of your body or personality-daily
• Tell someone else how much to appreciate them, being as open and honest as possible
• Learn to say no to things to don't help or support you and your journey.
• Stand tall and project confidence, even on days when you're not feeling your best. The way you do and say things speaks more than words sometimes.
  
• Take at least 5 minutes out of your day to do something for yourself. Think about how many hours you spend doing something for other people and realize that you can make time just for you.
  
• Trust yourself and your intuition.
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Smile

And build up your self-esteem day by day! Maybe that should be our new year's "resolution"...

How do you increase your own self-worth?

Peace, Joy, Love

Wish you a holiday season filled with

peace, joy, and love.

Guiltlessly Yours,

Stephanie & Elizabeth

Photo Credit

Try This Instead

Last night, I experienced the perfect example of how one can take control of one's emotions and guilty thoughts and turn them into productive, healthy ones. It was a typical Tuesday, and the plan was to go to work, then to the gym, then home to clean and cook dinner. But by 2 p.m., exhaustion set in and the need to exercise was defeated by the even stronger need to nap.

So after work, I went home tired, hungry, and a little annoyed at myself for being too tired to exercise. Does this situation sound familiar? If you're a full-time working human, I'd be surprised if it did not. Typically in a society where we put extreme pressure on ourselves to perform our best, look our best, and be the best all.the.time., this type of scenario would cause pangs of guilt. But as soon as I started to feel the negativity crawl up into my mind, I remembered the Guiltless philosophy. So instead of feeling guilty, I tried these things instead (and ended up having a fabulous evening and waking up feeling rested and ready to go):

Photo Credit - Gorgeous Healthy Me

1. Call a close friend who you haven't talked to in a while. Talking to a loved one always lifts my spirits. Even just hearing their voice and listening to their life updates can put a huge smile on your face. (Takes as long as you want...on average 10-30 minutes)

2. Try a new recipe and whip up a healthy dinner. Sure, when you're tired, the last thing you want to do is cook. But what if you had an interesting new recipe that you've been meaning to try? That might spike your interest and get you excited to be in the kitchen. Here's a nice balanced meal to try: Roasted Fish & Veggies w/Quinoa and Pine Nuts from Whole Foods. (Takes about 35 minutes)

3. Put on your favorite Pandora station while you cook and do the dishes. Listening to music is a great way to create a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Usually, mundane house chores are done in silence, but that is boring! Make it fun by listening to your favorite tunes. (Takes 10 minutes on average to do the dishes)

4. Pick up that book you've been meaning to read. Reading for a little while can whisk you out of reality and into a new realm. I recommend the Hunger Games Trilogy. (Takes as much time as you want...10-30 minutes on average)

5. Burn your favorite scented candle. Aromatherapy is no joke. Not only does candle light create a cozy atmosphere, but your favorite scent has the power to put you in an excellent mood. My favorite right now in a pine scented candle. (Takes 30 seconds.)

6. Do some yoga stretches. Even when you're body is literally rejecting the gym, you can still do some stretches at home on your yoga mat. Fitting in a little light yoga during your night will do the body and the mind good. Here's a great book to accompany your yoga practice: Light on Yoga (Takes 15 minutes or as long as you want.)

In an appoximately 90 minutes or so, you've achieved some quality "me-time." So instead of feeling guilty about skipping your after work activities for a little R&R, try this instead.

What are your favorite "me time" activities?

Be well, and enjoy the day!

Photoshop and Virtual Bodies

I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky person for the most part. But if there's one thing that makes my blood boil it's the prevalence of photoshopping in the beauty and fashion industry to present unrealistic, artificial beauty.

The thing that really tipped me over the edge was the fact that H&M has decided to only use virtual models to highlight their clothes now. Apparently "The demands are so great that H&M, among the poor photo models, cannot find someone with both body and face that can sell their bikinis" says their spokesperson. Well if there's not a supermodel in the world "pretty enough" to wear their bikinis or lingerie there's no way I'll ever be shopping at their stores again.
H&M released a pathetic faux apology: "It is regrettable if we have led anyone to believe that the virtual mannequins should be real bodies. "

really why would I ever think this was a real model with a real body???

And while I love beautiful clothes, gorgeous undergarments and hot swimsuits, this is getting out of control. Yes models are gorgeous, but if we only think they're gorgeous after being "perfected" by a computer, that's harmful to everyone. Being constantly bombarded by images of false, unattainable perfection hurts everyone's self-esteem and body image.

Beauty Redefined did a fantastic post about how Photoshop alters our perception of reality. It's a really a must-read with fantastic illustrations.

Model's hips and waist "too big"? Why not just get rid of them?

Spend 10 seconds of your life toggling between these "before" and "after" examples of celebrities and i guarantee next time you open up a magazine you'll take a more critical look.

But on the brightside: Procter and Gamble has recently refused to show ads for cosmetic companies that feature unrealistic images. Because I'd like to see how Covergirl mascera really looks on my eyelashes, instead what it can look like if photoshop makes them 30x thicker.

And everytime we expose the behind the scenes, and understand what those pictures really look like, I think we all grow a little stronger and wiser. Or at least I hope so!

What do you think? Will Photoshop ever disappear? Is it for good or evil?

Bollywood Beauty

“It’s beautiful to be a woman. Every woman is different: if we were all the same, it’d be boring.” -Vidya Balan Bollywood's Curvy Renaissance

Changing the focus on appearance one little girl at a time

I came across an article shared by some friends (credit: Emily, Ange, and Jackie) on Facebook yesterday that struck a chord. How to Talk to Little Girls by Lisa Bloom is an article about changing the way women see themselves one conversation at a time by changing the way we talk to the little girls in our lives. Being an Auntie of 3 nieces (soon to be 6 after I'm married), and um, being a girl myself, this article really hit home for me.

Bloom says that by complimenting a girl's appearance before her intellect, we are "teaching girls that their appearance is the first thing you notice.." and that "looks are more important than anything." As I read through her article, I sheepishly recalled the thousands of times I greeted my nieces with "You look so beautiful!"/"Look at that gorgeous hair!"/"I love this outfit!"/"Are you the cutest thing ever or what?" Sigh. It's hard not to oogle over their beauty, but their minds are just as amazing and easy to compliment. Time to make a change.

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Read the article.

It's just so true. Let's take a cue or two from Ms. Bloom and start inspiring the little girls in our lives to grow up as confident, capable, world-changing women. Hopefully the popular media will follow our lead.

What's your take on this? We'd love to hear your comments.

Lisa Bloom is on Twitter and Facebook.

Guiltless Recommends: Love Yourself Challenge

Guiltless always does love a good challenge, what better than the "Love Yourself Challenge"??

Besides being full of inspirational and beautiful images and words, the founder Rae Smith has developed a wonderful 6-week love yourself challenge. With different topics every week she walks you through a process to try to bring some more love to replace any body hatred. because you are worthy, and you deserve to be loved by yourself as much as you love others.
Tumble on over to the Challenge !!!

Real Beauty

At Wadsworth. Via gina

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Count the number of mirrors in your home. Chances are you have a least one. I wonder how many times we view our own reflections in one day and what enters our minds as we gaze upon ourselves.

Mirrors make it easy to view our physical reflections, but how often do you reflect on your thoughts, actions, and emotions? Probably not as often as you do your hair! But the physical mirror is in fact a reflection on our feelings, because oh so many come up when we look at (ahem, judge) ourselves. What do you say we take a break from all that inner mean girl talk and start feeling thankful for the bodies we have? I say we go for it. "Who's coming with me?!"

Image Source

The next time you look in the mirror, think happy thoughts. What are you proud of? The legs that carry you through the long days? The eyes that allow you to take in both the beauty and hardships of the world? The mouth that lets you smile, eat, drink, taste, laugh? All of the above.

The less critical we are of our physical body, the happier our emotional body will be. The more attention we pay to this connection, the easier it will be to build healthier self esteem and therefore live a little bit happier. We've had a lifetime of training in the opposite direction from this. We are constantly under pressure to be perfect. But we are all perfect in our own way, and it's time we start appreciating our unique traits, both inside and out.

Please share with us one positive thought you had when you looked in the mirror today!

Be well, and enjoy the day.

Guiltless Recommends: Body Image Advent Calender

Ah tis the season! Time to put the holiday decorations up, reconvene with family and friends, and for some of us, feel a lot of guilt about who we are/aren't seeing and what we are/aren't eating.

Which is why I was so thrilled to see this Body Image "Advent Calender" Starting on December 1st Nick and Sarah-two body image actists in Britain started a tumblr where they will be talking about different body image topics from now to Christmas. They are hitting the streets to get videos of the public’s opinion as well as taking submissions on their blogs. The videos so far have been excellent. Nick is one of the people behind Men Get Eating Disorders Too, the only charity worldwide representing men and eating disorders. Sarah works for Body Gossip, a campaign that we have recommended in the past.

Want a sneak preview of the topics we have to look forward to? Look no further and join in the converation!

• 5th A girl’s perspective
• 6th Fad diets, would you?
• 7th Fat Talk- how does it affect you?
• 8th How does fashion fit into body image?
• 9th Your body growing up- what was it like in school?
• 10th Pregnancy
• 11th Your perception of eating disorders
• 12th Scars? an eyesore or a story?
• 13th Older people, do you think about your body image?
• 14th Plastic surgery- are you for or against?
• 15th How would you define beauty?
• 16th Bad Hair Day! How important is your hair to you?
• 17th Sport- is there more pressure?
• 18th Piercing and tattoo’s- love, hate or regret the day? Would you have them?
• 19th Advertising- is it too much?
• 20th Ethnicity- different ideals?
• 21st Disability- how does it change your outlook on beauty?
• 22nd Teens- Body image hell, or learning to love it?
• 23rd All I want for Christmas… If you could see one thing changed what would it be?
• 24th Nick and Sarah talk about their December adventure!

For what better gift can you give yourself this holiday season than a positive body image? Join in the conversation at Body Image Advent Calender

What sites would you recommend to us? What do you think of a body image advent calender?

PS. If you liked Friday's post about bodyheart and want to learn more-Amber is offering a fantastic holiday gift package-pay what you want to recieve gifts from inspirational women including Amber's Holiday THRIVAL package. Find out more here

Bodyheart

Today's guest post comes from Amber Krzys-founder of bodyheart, whom is a coach, speaker, dog lover & bodyhearter. Her mission is help create a world where women love and embrace not only their bodies, but SHINE in their lives. We are thrilled to have her words embrace the pages of Guitless!

I was tired . . .

Tired of the endless struggle to have a perfect body.
Tired of constantly thinking about how I could lose weight.
Tired of planning every meal.
Tired of comparing myself to other ‘better’ women.
Tired of always coming up short.

I was tired of being in an abusive relationship with my body.

So, I decided to do something about it. I set out to see if I could actually love, accept and appreciate the body I had?

Could I love this body at the 130 lbs she wanted to be, instead of the 113 lbs I was trying to force her to be? Could I love the dimples (aka cellulite) on my butt and thighs? Could I love the furrowed brow? The large pores? The small breasts?

I didn’t know if those things were possible, but one thing I knew for sure was that I couldn’t continue living the way I was. It was killing me.

The journey I went on took some time, exploration and A LOT of tears. BUT, I’m happy to share that all the angst was worth it. See, I got there . . . I got to a place of love, acceptance & appreciation for MY body. For the amazing body I have been blessed with in this life.

This new way of being completely changed the course of my life and work. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt a calling in your life, but that is definitely how I would describe what happened to me next.

Because I knew the torture and torment that so many woman go through, I couldn’t keep my experience a secret. I had something to share. Something that could change their lives. And I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I wanted to free women all over the world from their self-punishment cage.

This calling led me to a change in careers. I went from a somewhat successful acting career to being an entrepreneur. Had you told me five years ago that I would be working with women, guiding them to a greater love of their bodies, I would’ve thought you were crazy. But, that’s the thing about a calling. A deep desire to share something you’ve experienced. It doesn’t let you go.

So, I formed my own company called bodyheart. An organization devoted to liberating women from their body-punishment prison. Our mission is to change not only women, but the world.

I believe the world will be a better place when women are free to shine and one area where we continue to oppress ourselves is through our relationship with our bodies. How we feel inside our bodies and what we think about our bodies affects EVERYTHING we do. So, when we can define our own standards of beauty and celebrate all we have, then we are FREE.
This is what bodyheart offers. Our courses are geared towards helping women find CONFIDENCE and FREEDOM within themselves, especially in relationship to their bodies. You can actually experience some of our work for free on our homepage.

Our campaign is a statement of how worthy and gorgeous we already are. I wanted to show the current media that un-retouched images can be stunning! I wanted women to witness REAL Beauty - their own real beauty - and let that affect how they think about their bodies. I also wanted women to start thinking about the parts of their bodies that they love, instead of what they hate.

This campaign has taken on a life of it’s own, and it is available to you should you choose to be a part of it. We accept submissions from women all over the world. You can find out more about it here.

To you, reading this post, I believe you are already on this path of greater acceptance, love & freedom or you wouldn’t be on this page right now. And, I want to say thank you for lighting the way. Thank you for leading by example and cracking open the beauty oppression we’ve bought into for so long.

Change begins with one. And soon that one allows another to take a step onto the new path and then another and another . . . and that is how paradigm shifts are created.
Way to be a part of the change.

Peace & Pleasure,

Amber

Dear Myself...

Every day is a new beginning. And maybe today, there is something very important happening in your life that requires special attention. If you had a good friend who was about to embark on some kind of journey - whether with career, family, or another aspect of life - you would greet him/her with encouraging words perhaps over the phone or via email/text/Facebook. So why not do the same for yourself? It's time to be our own best friend. Follow this letter template, and write yourself an encouraging letter. After you write it, read it out loud. You will feel positive, empowered, and ready to take on whatever may come your way!



Dear -Name-,

I am proud of you because ___________. It was a brilliant idea when you decided to ___________. You will rock the -insert next life event- , because you are able, enthusiastic, and __________. Today is going to be a great day, because _______. Enjoy everything it has to offer. Be yourself, and don't let anyone drag you down. You are strong because you_________. And if you need anything at all, you can always reach out to me.

Love you!
-Name-


------

We would love to hear how you filled in the blanks!

The Weight of Words

Words have amazing weight. They can be used to tear down, break, hurt (sticks and stones may break bones, but words DO hurt me). They can also be used to lift up, inspire, strike hope and motivate.

Words are like mental food that we feed on. So just as important as it is to eat food that nourishes our bodies, it is important to use words that help not harm us.
That means not telling yourself or others that you are stupid, not worth others' time, ugly, unmotivated, lazy, poor, or fat.

It means using words like grace, hope, inspiration, love, beautiful, strong.

This week be mindful of words that can weigh you down. Memories or thoughts that bring a heavy weight to your heart. Try to replace some of them with words that lighten your load-that make you feel light, free, and inspired.

What is a word you could get rid of in your life?

One Size Doesn't Fit All

So wear the life that fits YOU!

Happy Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, set your table without a side of guilt. On a holiday that focuses mostly on food, it's especially easy to feel pressured to restrict yourself, which we all know leads to bad behavior and guilty feelings. But you really don't have to go into this holiday with a set of rules and restrictions for yourself. You can actually take care of yourself AND indulge at the same time!

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Ditch the Guilt this Thanksgiving with these simple tips:

1. Eat Breakfast! Many people make the mistake of "saving calories" for the main event on Thanskgiving by skipping breakfast. But if you do this, you'll show up to the party absolutely starving and the need to eat will be urgent! Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner the way you always would, and your choices will be the ones that make you happiest.

2. Get Moving! The exercise will leave you feeling energized and full of mood-enhancing endorphins which will fuel great conversation with your loved ones and keep you feeling good all day. And it's a holiday, so treat yourself to your favorite activity to work up a Thanksgiving morning sweat.

3. Enjoy Yourself! Eat healthfully and thankfully, and enjoy an array of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy. But most importantly, don't hold out on the dessert! Thanksgiving is truly a day to give thanks to yourself. Take a look at the dessert table, decide what your all-time, cannot-live-without favorite is, and be happy about your choice. Savor each bite, and enjoy a very Guiltless Thanksgiving.

How will you celebrate Guiltlessly on Thursday?

Guiltless Gives Thanks:

We are thankful for YOU. Our readers and our dear friends.

Eating Meditation

Everyday we eat. Sometimes we think about it. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we savor, sometimes we tune it all out in front of the TV or computer. Like breathing or walking, this is an activity that can be brought to a new level by a simple meditation. As a holiday that centers around food, as well as family & friends, approaches, I thought today would be a great day to share a simple eating meditation. Pick one of your next meals, probably one you eat alone for your first try, and see what new feelings and clarity comes through!

• To start eating meditation, place your food in front of you and sit quietly.
• Reflect on the source of the food and recite any simple prayer of gratitude that comes naturally. It can be as simple as "I am thankful for this meal in front of me." Then be still for a few moments.
• Look carefully at the food. Be aware of your body and feelings of hunger, how your feel about putting this particular food into your body at this moment.
• Notice the smell of the food and any pleasant feeling associated with it.
  
• Initially chew more slowly than usual. Notice the burst of flavor that comes after you take the first bite. Keep chewing slowly. What happens to the taste sensations as you keep chewing?
• Be aware of the intention to swallow the food. Also, notice if there is an intention to take more food even though you might still have some in your mouth.
• Notice if you feel hurried and try not to even load your fork or chopsticks until you are done swallowing the last bite.
• Stay aware of the taste and what happens to it as you keep chewing. You can label the sensations as salty, sweet, sour, hot, and so on.
• Also, notice if there is any difference in the intensity of the taste depending upon whether you are breathing in or breathing out. You don't have to remember all that, mainly remember 1) chew well, 2) taste, 3) notice swallowing 4) and remember to Pause 5) and Breathe for a moment before the next bite. Continue with this same mindful attention to everything you eat until you come to the end.
• As you near the end, pay attention to the signals from your stomach and your tongue & eyes as you approach the point of being full. Notice how these signals can be at odds with each other. Stomach may say you are full while the tongue and eyes want more.
• Finally, after your last bite, slide your plate a few inches away and just sit very still for 5 to 10 minutes. Notice your breath going in and out your nostrils. Feel the energy or subtle vibrations in your stomach, head, arms or hands. Now you should be able to really feel how that food makes you feel short term.
  

Take in any emotions, learn from them, and carry on with your day. Happy eating!

Have you ever done an eating meditation?

Taoism- Perfectly Imperfect

Thank you, Lana Daniels, for writing to us and submitting this guest post. We cherish our readers, and we are so thankful for the contribution.

“True perfection seems imperfect,

yet it is perfectly itself.”

-Tao Te Ching

“Every flaw, every virtue, every vice and everything beautiful is meant to be just the way it is. WE ARE IN FACT PERFECT. WE ARE PERFECTLY OURSELVES.”

-Lana Daniels

Find Freedom in Food

In a world with a media landscape saturated with messages that attempt to define "sexy" by one's weight, it's no wonder I often hear people blaming food for their perceived shortcomings.

Everyone has an idea of what the "magic food" or the "one thing to avoid" is when it comes to achieving their ideal body. Making responsible decisions when choosing one's meal is certainly an essential part to maintaining a healthy body, but food is not the enemy nor the cure. It's the friend that helps guide you along the way. And at risk of sounding like another talking head, I will say this: The key to feeling your best, to looking your best, and to performing your best is all about the confidence you have in your own abilities.

There is freedom in the relationship you have with food, and it exists in the relationship you have with yourself. Food replenishes you, gets your blood flowing, feeds your brain the brilliant ideas you have every day. It gives you the strength to breath, to move, to love. It gives you life.

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Setting realistic goals while truly believing in yourself will make your life-long journey toward health much more enjoyable! Don't beat yourself up on the days when you need a nap or perhaps want to indulge in your favorite treat. And celebrate the times when you choose nutrient-rich foods. These are experiences of life. The body and mind are your tools to fully experience everything life has to offer. You deserve to love them both, come rain or come shine.

Risk curiousity, wonder and spontaneous delight!

"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."

-E.E. Cummings

What is possible once you believe in yourself? Anything I say! Because today I am comfortable in my own skin, and believe in my abilities I can take risks and let the full experience of life wash over me. Because letting yourself fully experience life can feel like a risk if you are unsure in your own abilities.
So be fearless. And go for it. Trust yourself. Risk curiosity, wonder and spontaneous delight!

How will you be fearless today?

I am a Tree

When I was 14-years-old, my mother took me into her yoga studio and showed me how to do tree pose (Vriksha-asana). Ever since, my understanding of the pose changes and grows every year - much like a tree.

My first idea of tree pose was that it was one of the easiest positions in yoga. Standing on one leg with my arms in the air? Sure, no biggie.

But lately, I've realized that tree pose is in fact one of the most difficult positions there is, because it challenges us to be a tree: extending our bodies up toward the sky as high as we can yet keeping our feet firmly on the floor- feeling both light as a feather and rooted into the ground simultaneously. Tree pose asks you to channel the energy of a tree - the spirit, the strength and sturdiness of it's bark and roots and the carefree, fragile beauty of it's leaves.



When I am in tree pose, I feel strong, centered - like no matter what comes my way, I am so sturdy that nothing will chop me down. But it also reminds me that I am vulnerable to my environment.

Starting now, my goal is to be a tree even when I'm off my mat. Because a tree stands through the wind, the rain, the storms that fall down hard on it's branches and leaves, and yet, when the storm is over, the tree remains. Maybe a branch or two is broken, and maybe some leaves have fallen to the ground, but it is alive and it's still just as beautiful as it was before.

This weekend, spend a little time in tree pose and see what you find.

Other than staying fit, why do you exercise? What type of physical activity causes you to be introspective?

Enjoy the weekend!

Confidence: Work It!

source

How are you going to flex your confidence muscle today?

Guiltless Recommends: Daily Muse

Being a twenty-something I feel like I soak up advice like a sponge. Everyone has opinions and wise words, and I bathe in it, taking what I need, discarding what I don't. I stumbled upon the website Daily Muse this weekend and love it's mission: to bring ambitious Gen Y woman, smart, practical, and inspirational advice career and life advice, from women who have been there. Who have had big, crazy dreams—and achieved them. Who saw the glass ceiling—and crushed it. An amazing line-up of role models contributes their two cents and there is plenty we can all take away. For example:

• Cindy Gallop-Founder & CEO, If We Ran the World If she could step back in time she would remind her younger self that she’s beautiful—exactly the way she is. Read more:“Confidence is Beautiful—And So Are You”

• Joyce Kulhawik Arts & Entertainment Critic: "This I tell myself now, to love and have faith in ourselves; this is the source of our energy, our joy, and our real power—and will lead us to speak in our true voices to the world." “Love Yourself—Powerfully

Want more style, beauty, money career, and life guidance? Definitely check out Daily Muse!

What is your muse today?

Not Perfect

What are you today?

Take Care

I recently stumbled upon a workshop that looks pretty interesting, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to share.

Mass General Hospital offers a program called "Taking Care of Ourselves - A Wellness Program for Women." This is a four week program that offers women the tools to cope with daily stress and take the time to care for themselves.

If you've been feeling stressed lately or perhaps you're having a hard time coping with something that has recently happened in your life, this might be a good course to look into. The sessions are one hour long and are offered at lunch time during the week, which may not be convenient for all, in which case, maybe these few reminders will help a little:

1. Take a deep breath and stay calm. No matter how hectic things may seem, there is always time to inhale and exhale.

2. Schedule in time for yourself. If you feel like you're living religiously by the book - your PLANNER, that is - literally schedule some "me-time" in. That way, you're not cheating your schedule!

3. Learn how to say "no." No matter how fun those extra social plans may seem, it's sometimes best to let your friends know that you'll miss them, but you have plans that day. (Those plans being turning off your phone, parking yourself on the couch and indulging in a stupid romantic comedy.)

Be well, stay stress-free, and enjoy the day.

Guiltless Recommends: Proud2Bme

I think we can all attest that the teen years were both fantastic and horrible at the same time. You're learning so much about yourself and the world, sometimes it's hard to stay positive, and have a strong self-esteem in the neverending battle of popularity and who will be homecoming king and queen. That's why i was so excited to see this new website:

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) recently launched Proud2Bme, an online community created for teens by teens, the inspires positive body image, health and happiness. It covers everything from fashion and beauty to news, culture, and entertainment—all with the goal of promoting positive body image and encouraging healthy attitudes about food and weight.You can be inspired by teens that traveled to Capitol Hill to push for eating disorder insurance coverage legislation , read other thank you letters to our bodies. If you are worried that a friend might have an eating disorder this article tells the best way to approach that friend. Because you don't need to be a size zero to be a hero...



So spread the word! If you're a teacher, tell your students. If you have a little brother or sister, tell them. If you are a teenager share this with your friends! You can also follow Proud2Bme on Twitter and like them on Facebook.(Oh and Happy Halloween!)

What makes you happy?

Happy Friday! Have a safe and fun Halloween weekend.

Radiant as the Sun

“I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun”. -Katniss Everdeen

You are the instinct in your gut, the strength in your body, the kindness in your heart.

You're not a number on the scale. And the harsh critic inside your head isn't real - it's only a bad habit- a habit you can break with practice and awareness.

The past and the future don't actually exist - there is only now.

Guiltless is not about living without regret. It's acknowledging that things happen in life that make you feel regretful, but instead of beating yourself up over it, keep moving forward and learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are a beautiful mess that are designed to teach you, not abuse you.

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You already are the person you want to be, and you have the tools you need to get through the obstacles in your life right now.

You are not pretty or beautiful. You are as radiant as the sun, and that kind of brilliance can only come from within.

I love my curves

I love my curves. That I do. And I think I need to share that today.

Because first I saw this:
Katie Halchishick – co-founder of Healthy is the New Skinny in Oprah Magazine. Cosmetic surgery dotted lines cover Katie, indicating what would have to be cut away in order for her to have Barbie’s body.

And then I saw this PostSecret
And I have to saw I'm much more in support of the latter.

So here's for the curves. For stomachs that aren't always flat. For legs that have occasional cellulite bumps. For un-tucked, un-lipo-ed, un-smoothed, un-altered bodies. Bodies that we work to keep healthy and strong, but that are still beautifully imperfect.

Today I love my curves. What do you love?

A Life Long Romance

Happy Love Your Body Day!

This post is part of the 2011 Love Your Body Day Blog Carnival.

Today, the NOW Foundation will host a Love Your Body Day blog carnival, featuring strong voices voices from all over who want to share some thoughts on loving your body.

In celebration of this awesome day, I'd like to talk about what loving your body means to me. I don't think loving your body is a static thing. What I mean is, your perception of yourself is constantly evolving and developing, and loving your body is part of that. For a long time, I was dangerously self-critical. I had to really focus on the parts of myself that I was proud of, and sometimes that's a lot easier said than done. But I knew in my heart that it had to happen, because who wants to go through life criticizing themselves all the time?

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The way I came to appreciate my body was treating myself like a friend. I forced myself to look at myself like I would my best friend - seeing all her qualities as unique and beautiful. I started to forgive myself as I would a best friend - acknowledging something that hurt me, but letting it go and moving forward. And I talked to myself the way I would my best friend - I stopped the negative thoughts as soon as I felt them creeping in and I started to point out the things I did well.

This works. It takes effort. But it works.

Just the other day, I was hanging out with a group of women- all totally gorgeous by the way- who were pointing out parts of their bodies they hated. When my turn to criticize myself came up, it was hard not to chime in. I caught myself vocally hating part of my body, and then I remembered - be your own best friend.

And so, hoping to change the tide, I said that I want to be fit, but I refuse to agonize over it and I will not give up the things that make me happy- The love of cooking and celebrating around a table of food, wine, and friends...the comfort of eating ice cream in bed while watching a scary movie...ordering pizza with my nieces and nephews...baking Christmas cookies and tasting the batter...All of these things do not need to be banned from life. Instead, I make sure I treat my body well by eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, drinking water, going for walks, etc. If I respect my body the way it deserves to be respected, I will not need to give up the things in life that make me smile...and I can love my body while I'm at it....now that's having your cake, and eating it too!

I hope this post inspired you to continue down the path toward self-appreciation! Be well, and enjoy the day.

Fat Talk Free Week!

Yesterday was the first day of Fat Talk Free Week, and while I think EVERY Week should be Fat-Talk Free, why not take some extra time to celebrate!
Places where you can start to squash fat talk:

• Gym locker rooms
• Girls night out
• Yoga studios, gyms, dance studios
• Cafeterias, restaurants, coffee shops
• Your home mirror
• Anywhere really!
  

Let's replace this Fat Talk with Fine Talk! Instead of "I feel bloated and disgusting today" reshape your thoughts to focus on what you love about yourself- "well at least I still have a gorgeous smile!"

Just see what shoving away these fat talking demons does to brighten your day!

Take the Pledge and Declare to End Fat Talk today.
Find an Event near you
Join the dialogue on Facebook or Twitter

Guiltless Leaving My Family

We received this delightful blog post from a reader and just couldn't wait to share it! Listen while Diane shares how she learned to let go of guilt while moving far away from family.

Have you ever felt guilty leaving your family for an adventure or a relationship that you truly wanted to pursue? Has the guilt overcome you so much that you find yourself not fully able to connect to that relationship or adventure? It's like you really want to be there but your guilt is holding you back. I often see a mental picture of guilt as a pause button on your life. Do you feel that as soon as you release the guilt that your life will propel you fully into your new gig? I often think so.

I am 31 years old and come from a very close family where no one moves away. Not that my family would disapprove, in fact they are quite supportive of anything I am passionate about. Yet my guilt for leaving them to pursue my own dreams often makes my path one of struggle and indecision. One thing I've learned about indecision is that it's incredibly challenging to feel grounded and move forward in life. So here I am, in a wonderful relationship with my dreamy surfer boy. We have 2 lovely dogs and are cultivating something so sacred and beautiful that I said yes when asked to spend 6 months away from family to join him on the East Coast. We are originally based in San Diego, California. Naturally I said yes and that's when the guilt crept in. It sounded like this...

Is my family going to be ok without me? Should I have just stayed and spent time with my family and let him go to the East Coast on his own? Am I sacrificing precious memories with my family in pursuit of this relationship and is it worth it?

So I arrived and tried to settle into our new adventure and found myself so torn, unable to connect with my boyfriend and our new friends. I found myself falling deeper and deeper into despair feeling that I had made a mistake moving out here. I then felt angry with myself for leaving my family in pursuit of a relationship. I mean, how dare I leave the family when my parents are getting older, my brother needs my motivation to stay focused in his life and my sister needs a hand with her new baby? How dare I pursue my own life and possibly star my own family?

Then a funny thing happened. My mom called. She was worried and knew exactly what was going on. She asked me to open to her and through much resistance I finally let my superwoman guard down and allowed myself to be her scared daughter. She asked what I was so afraid of, and through hours of conversation and many tears I admitted the guilt I felt for wanting my own life without worrying about them. She laughed and comforted me in a way only a good mother could and said the words I could not find a way to tell myself. Those words were, "We're fine, now go live your life. Please!"

Her words set me free and cut the heart strings that pulled me back from embracing the fullness of life that had been present the whole time. Yet I couldn't see it under the shroud of guilt. Since then, I am more aware of how guilt stops you and how it's simply another form of fear. Since then many things have changed as I learn to get out of my own way and truly let myself have what it is I want. The true blessing is realizing that what I want is exactly what I have, it has been here the whole time just waiting for me to participate. Now I am guiltless and free. -Diane

Want to read more? Check out Diane's gorgeous blog and follow her on twitter @simplyfreckled

Sad Ads

Now that I am officially a Registered Dietitian, I've had less study-time on my hands and more free time. (I can't believe I just said that.) Anyway, one of the things I like to do in my free time is read magazines. I know, I know...it's a dirty habit, but I can't help it.

It's a well known fact that when flipping through magazines, surely some images or articles have the potential to offend. But this ad just made me SAD.


Do you really have to use peoples' insecurities to sell your strange drink? Can't we come up with something a little more creative? It's 2011, people!

Look at the ad. It's for their Neuro-Trim and it's telling you you're not perfect unless you drink their neuro-trim, because essentially, you're not trim enough. Bogus, right? They also have Neuro-gasm, Neuro-Sleep, Neuro-Supreme, Neuro-If-you-don't-buy-this-drink-you-will-suffer....ok I made that last one up, but you get the point.

I'm ready for the art of marketing to take a turn for the better. It's time to see positive messages leaving the reader feeling empowered rather than with a large list of attainable, unrealistic goals. It's time to see ads for products or ideas that increase our enjoyment of life, deepen our knowledge on our favorite topic without making us feel like crap first. Do you agree?

Here's an ad I can get behind:

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Have you seen any ads lately that you'd like to share? Ones you love? Ones you hate? Tell us about it here or write to us at iamguiltless@gmail.com with a guest post! Have a great day.