Our BE YOUtiful campaign encourages everyone everywhere to reclaim the beauty and power within. We are reposting our series of inspirational blog articles with a BE YOUtiful message from previous years, to give you a chance to discover these wonderful messages again!   We're kicking off the campaign with a great one from Staci Becker, a GroupX and Spin instructor with a positive outlook.

What is the first thing you see when you look in the mirror in the morning? Is it how beautiful your eyes are, or the bags underneath them? Is it how soft your hair is, or how the grey is starting to show through? Do you see all the happy moments that have earned you those laugh lines, or do you just see wrinkles? Your first 60 seconds out of bed can set the tone for your whole day. Will you be beautiful, soft, and happy—or saggy, grey, and full of wrinkles? 

You are the first and loudest voice you hear. Make that voice a positive one.

When I was 12, I was friends with the popular girls. One day after lunch, we were outside at recess and one of the girls found me on the playground. She told me the girls could no longer be friends with me because I was fat. 35 years later, I can still remember exactly where I was standing, what I was wearing, and what those words felt like. I have forgiven that girl, but still carry that moment with me as a reminder of how powerful words can be. But it’s not just the words of others. It's also the words we tell ourselves.

The sad truth is that, even now, I will sometimes tell myself that I am fat, ugly, or not good enough. I would never say those words to anyone else, but for some reason, I think it's acceptable to say them to myself. I'm pretty sure I’m not the only woman who has this horrible inner dialog, and it makes me sad.

Why do we feel the need to put ourselves down? And why do we think it’s OK? 

Can you remember the last time you put yourself down? Imagine how run down you'd feel if  you had someone following you around all day putting you down? I challenge you to pay attention to your inner dialog for one entire day. Be honest with yourself and notice how many times you are positive and how often you are negative. If you are like most women, it’s not going to be pretty. 

Here’s the good news: It can change. You can change. You get to choose how you talk to yourself. Be an encourager. Be a positive force for yourself and for others, too. When you are operating from a place of positivity, your cup is full and you are better able to pour into others. This can happen, but it takes intention and diligence.  

Pay attention to things you love about yourself and focus on them. Write down five things you are good at, five traits you have that you love, five characteristics you were born with that make you special. Celebrate and embrace those things, and let them shine through.

Remember, you are in control of how you see yourself, how you treat yourself, and how you talk to yourself. You deserve to hear how wonderful you are every single day—even if it’s just from yourself.

One last reminder: You are the loudest voice you hear, so make it positive. Download your free BE YOUtiful poster and snap YOUR #beYOUtiful pic.  Post and share to help spread this important message!