As a result, women make choices about what to wear, what to eat, what to love and what to hate about themselves all based on what they will look like. You don't see many men squeezing themselves into tight undergarments to make themselves look smaller and smoother. And women reject and criticize the very parts of themselves that support them in being strong and capable in the world. The other day, I heard two young women discussing how they had stopped hiking or using the treadmill, uphill because it made their legs look too muscular! So, what's the decision here? Good cardio? Forget about it. I'd rather have a weak heart and thin legs.

Our culture has always had strong views about what makes a woman beautiful. The prized look changes from time to time, but it is always narrow and limiting. Women come in all shapes and sizes. Most of us can never look like the models in the clothing ads. Some of those who can, only do so by compromising their health and their enjoyment of a normal life.

What if we women staged a rebellion? What if you just decided that you are MAGNIFICENT NOW? What if you started to love and appreciate your body for all the things it does for you? Do you have strong legs that hold you up and let you walk around this beautiful world? Do you have broad hips that helped you deliver a beautiful, healthy child? What about your organs on the inside that keep your blood pumping and nutrients flowing to every cell?

This summer, I invite you to put on your swimsuit or shorts and get out and enjoy the beach, the pool,or the lake by moving your body. Feel the amazing strength and coordination as you walk or swim. Put your hands on the parts you have criticized and tell them you are sorry that you thought of them as ornaments for others to judge. Say "Thank you, legs for getting me out to all these beautiful places!", "I appreciate you, arms, for carrying my groceries!"

You are a magnificent women, right now! Please don't let any magazine, advertisement or well meaning person tell you otherwise. Start using all that valuable energy to appreciate yourself and do big things in the world, to build your business or love your family or make something beautiful. Take a pledge this day, to stop telling yourself you aren't good enough. Sing yourself a little song about how lovable and perfect you are.

Got a webcam or video? Send me a youtube video of you taking the pledge to stop telling yourself you are not good enough. We will create a revolution of magnificent women.

Please let me know, by emailing me, if this article was helpful to you! Writing a newsletter is an effort of love and devotion for me. I really do feel encouraged when I get positive feedback.