Three Hidden Body Beauty Secrets Every Woman Should Know

We all want to be beautiful. Let's face it. It feels really great to get compliments on our hair, clothes, and especially our smiles. The fashion industry and the weight loss industry have mega-power because of this inner desire and need. We can't deny it. However, how much power we give to others to make us feel not beautiful can be a sobering realization. Empower yourself with some little known beauty tools to look and feel more fierce than ever.

First of all, look at the source of the messages you are receiving when you start to feel down on yourself. Of course, the repeated messages day in and day out that are subtle can be just as damaging, but the really hateful body-hate ads may really grab you. It can also be something as simple as characters in a film criticizing a fat or thin person. It may be the beauty ad that makes you feel that your type of skin needs to be disguised.

Try to start keeping a small journal to write in when you start to realize that you're getting down on yourself. Ask yourself why and what was surrounding you when it happened. What messages had you gotten about yourself? How can you prevent it from happening again? It may be as simple as turning off the TV and relying on ad-free entertainment like Netflix.

Next, spread love and acceptance to others, especially women who are nothing like you. Those old "When did this become hotter than this?" trend on social networks that seeks to pit thin women against curvy women is so behind the times. The real question is when did one size become better than other? The answer is never. You'll feel better about yourself when you include and appreciate yourself as well as those who are nothing like you.

Last, and certainly not least, do your best to talk the talk and walk the walk of self-acceptance. That's easier said than done when we're hit with the message everywhere that we are too fat or too thin; women are told they're too old or too young. However, you are beautiful just as you are. That's not a message that you often hear in commercials, on television, in movies, or even in churches of any kind. There's an epidemic of things being marketed to women with the opening premise of making you not feel good enough.

The real beauty secret, however, is that you already are lovely. All sizes and shapes are equally gorgeous. Life's not a competition with our bodies on display to be judged like pies, no matter what the message society sends to us. Enjoy the body you are in at this moment. Sure, make changes if you'd like. Exercise and healthy eating are great for all of us, but keep in mind that health is built by healthy habits, not numbers on a scale. Beauty is already there.