Ask Sam letter

Hi there

Everyone is different. That includes how you look and your body shape and size. It’s natural to have some things about yourself that you’re less happy with. No one is perfect.

Being body positive doesn’t mean that you need to like everything about your body  - it’s all about accepting your body as it is. Focusing on the things you feel good about can help you to feel better about your body overall. Try noticing all the things you like, including less obvious things like your height or the colour of your eyes.

You could make a list of positive things about your body and read it every morning so that you start your day feeling good about yourself. Keep adding to the list and if it’s hard to think of things you could ask a close friend or someone you trust, like a parent or carer to tell you one positive thing each about how you look and add those to your list too. This should help to boost your confidence.

Remember, you don't have to change anything about yourself to fit in. Be yourself. Try to accept that the things you’re happy with and the things you’re unhappy with are both part of what makes you individual and unique.

Spend more time with people who help you feel good about yourself, who accept you as you are and who treat you with respect. It’s always okay to take a break from people who put you down and to unfollow anyone who makes negative comments about you on social media.

I hope this advice has helped. And remember, you can always speak to one of our counsellors if you ever want to talk.

Take care,

Sam