Do You Need A Gratitude Adjustment?

You've probably heard the term "attitude adjustment," but I'd like to suggest a "gratitude adjustment!"

As an image consultant, one of the first things I often hear from a new client is a list of what she considers to be her "flaws":

I still need to lose 10 pounds
I can't wear skirts because my legs are ugly
I don't wear sleeveless tops because I don't have Michelle Obama's arms

Some of these might even sound familiar to you. We women are so used to feeling judged on how we look as compared to the airbrushed models in the fashion magazines. We often focus on what's "wrong" with us instead of all the wonderful gifts and assets we do have.

I prefer to look at assets. Remember the lyrics to that old song "Accentuate the Positive" -- you've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative? Let that be your theme song for the month! Unfortunately, too many of us focus far too much on what we don't have instead of what we do have. I say be GRATEFUL for your FABULOUS DIVA self! Look in the mirror every day and be thankful for all that you do have!

Take a few minutes to write yourself a mantra about one thing you love about you. Something like ...

"I am grateful for my gorgeous brown eyes that allow me to see all of nature's beauty"
"I am grateful for my healthy body, and I practice extreme self care to keep it strong"
"I am grateful for my arms that let me give warm, loving hugs to my family and friends"

Now, post that mantra somewhere you'll see it often throughout the day and say it out loud to yourself every chance you get.

Once you start thinking differently about how you view yourself, many shifts start to occur. Your outlook will brighten, and you'll start to focus on your gifts and assets instead of what you might think of as "flaws."

Next, start dressing to accentuate your assets. When you dress with intention, your confidence level will soar and you will look and feel fabulous. You may have heard me talk about my favorite style system Fashion Feng Shui®. It teaches you to dress authentically, paying attention to your true essence -- who you really are. Based on the five elements of nature, FFS coordinates colors, textures and shapes with each element. Once we determine what your essence is, we use that information to bring out and enhance it with your clothing so that you are dressing the inside and the outside -- everything in alignment. Your image starts to match your message.

Honor YOUR essence, and remember to say thank you for all that you have. Focus on the positive, your natural gifts and assets. When you change your outlook, you change your life as natural shifts start to occur. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and grow. Make a "gratitude adjustment," and I promise you will feel the difference!

This article was written by Laurie Mandato of Imaging Joy.