On hot summer days, when bodies are typically more on display, we may feel particularly vulnerable if our body is even a fraction off of the culturally defined perfect 10.

Focusing on the ways our body serves us and how we can serve it helps us to accept—yes, even love—our bodies and stop obsessing about its appearance. @laurafenamore (Click to Tweet!)

Take this Thriving quiz to find out how well you love your body.

Our own opinion of ourselves influences others’ opinions of us much more than we realize.

True or False

1. I appreciate that my arms enable me to hold someone I love, that my thighs enable me to run.
2. I wear comfortable clothes that I really like and that feel good to my body, rather than trying to hide or camouflage my body or to follow uncomfortable fashion trends.
3. I judge myself as a whole person, not just as a body.
4. I do things that let me enjoy my body—dance, take a hot bath, walk, get a massage.
5. I act the way I would if I had a perfect body.
6. I notice that the appearance of people I admire is unimportant to their success and accomplishments.
7. I do things I enjoy and don’t let my weight or shape keep me from it.
8. I tell my body at night how much I appreciate what it has allowed me to do throughout the day.
9. I exercise to feel good and love my body, not to lose weight.
10. I count my blessings, not my blemishes.
11. I think of my body as a source of pleasure.
12. I only wear clothes that give me feelings of power, beauty and comfort.
13. I consider myself the expert on my body, not the fashion magazines, the cosmetics industry, the weight tables.
14. I am as “in love” with my body as an infant is.
15. I think of my body as a tool, as an instrument of my life, not just as an ornament.
16. I act as though I am my body’s ally and advocate, not its enemy.
17. I listen to my body and take its needs and wishes into consideration when making decisions.
18. I refuse to waste time criticizing my body or worrying about my appearance, and instead spend my time on something more precious or productive.
19. When someone says, “You look great today,” I enthusiastically respond, “Why, thank you so much!”

How did you do?

If you found yourself answering “false” more than a few times, no worries, help is here. Just drop me a line and let me know you need some support.

You may find yourself more satisfied with your body and yourself if you aim for lifestyle mastery, rather than being diet obsessed.

Lifestyle mastery has to do with developing and accepting your unique gifts and potential, expressing yourself, developing meaningful relationships, learning how to solve problems, establishing goals and contributing to the earth community.

And the best part is you don’t have to figure out how to do lifestyle mastery alone.

There are plenty of safe, supportive loving places (such as SkinnyFatPerfect.com with Free Tools) that exist.

Just know you are NOT alone. Help is around you, whether you feel it or not.

Take a moment right now to ask me anything in the comments below.

I am here to support you.

I care about you a lot.

Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.

Image courtesy of Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho.