If you pay attention to the media and, let's face it, it's almost impossible not to, you're no doubt inundated with images of beautiful celebrities who seem effortlessly thin. What we don't see is the work these people have to do to look the way they do and, trust me, it isn't effortless. We also don't always take into account that celebrities, in some form or fashion, are paid to look good...it's part of their job and, as a result, they're much more motivated to spend lots of time on their bodies and looks than we are.

That said, seeing these beautiful people all the time has an affect on us. We want to look as perfect as they do and that means too many of us end up with a skewed body image, thinking that if we could just trim this area or build up that area, everything would be better. We even end up punishing ourselves because we don't look perfect.

The good news is, there is something we can do about it and it has to do with learning to love our bodies. As you go through life today, stop for a moment and think about what you can do to appreciate your body just the way it is.