A Not-So-Mad Mad Lib

Remember Mad Libs? The create-your-own story by filling in the blanks? Well, yesterday I stumbled across an “If I Loved My Own Body” Mad-Lib on the web page one of my favorite non-profit organizations, The Joy Project, an organization “based on the philosophy of using real-world, workable solutions to end the epidemic of eating disorders.”  This Mad Lib is designed to demonstrate crippling power of poor body confidence. As creator Jessica Barker writes, “I guarantee this will make you see... that hating your body is holding you back... and want to work on feeling better about yourself” 

This exercise is extremely beneficial to anyone who suffers from poor body confidence. I know there have been times in my life when I didn’t want to go out with my closest friends because I felt so negatively about my appearance. It took me time to realize that comparing my insides to the outsides of others is a complete waste of time and energy. The only person who suffered was me. And yes, of course, there are times when those feelings resurface - but I use exercises like this mad-lib to help put my emotions in perspective.

Say No to Negativity!


By accepting and loving our bodies, we can ignore the “Itty Bitty Shitty Committee” on our shoulder and start embracing the blessings around us. Saying daily affirmations can also help to reduce negative self-talk and make room for thinking about more exciting, important parts of life!

Our bodies are incredible: they fight disease, create life, let us feel emotions, and, allow us to walk, run, dance, and sing - regardless of what they look like on the outside! Don’t belittle your body because of what how it looks, instead, be proud of everything it accomplishes! 

Embrace yourselves, beautiful women!

~ Jessica

P.S. For more information about The Joy Project, please visit their web page: http://www.joyproject.org/about/history.html

Again, here is the link for the “If I Loved My Own Body” Mad-Lib