By Corey Urbina, Regional Director in Washington DC

"I love who I am on the inside & out."

I accept my physical imperfections and am happy with my body as it is. I don’t compare myself to others, nor do I go to extraordinary lengths to look like the women I see in the media. I don’t think that I would be happier if I was just a little taller, thinner, prettier or younger. I like my own body just fine. More importantly, I like the extraordinary person I am. I strive for excellence, not for perfection. I seek opportunities to know myself better, and develop my abilities and talents. I understand that life is about living wholeheartedly.

This week's affirmation focuses on self acceptance. The idea of acknowledging your strengths as well as your weaknesses resonates in the words of Hugh Prather who said: “Unless I accept my faults, I will most certainly doubt my virtues.” http://www.quotegarden.com/womenhtml.

Throughout these past two months, I have thought much about the relationship between our bodies and ourselves, and the importance of paying attention to all of who we are. My hope is that you have enjoyed reading my affirmations, and that they have sparked an interest in how these statements foster positive change. Perhaps you have even made some of them your own. When framed properly and repeated often, they do work. I encourage you to recite this week's affirmation during the following month and revisit the others.