By Joanne R Kanute BCMCLC, CIM

What does a healthy image mean to you? What is self-image, and how does it affect our lives? Self-image is how you see yourself and what you believe other people think about you. This is not always the truth of what others believe about you, but it is what you believe matters right now.

Research shows low self-esteem and self-image is highly linked with depression and suicide. (Psychology Today magazine states 20% of the American people are being treated for depression.) US News states US suicides hit the highest rate in 25 years, now 12.8%. James Dobson states, “Lack of self-esteem can actually extinguish the desire to go on living.”

God created you in His image. Learn how to maximize that creation! Each and every one of us is beautiful in our own unique way. We all have a purpose, and we all have a story. Make the best of your life; only you can do that! The best investment you will ever make is you!

Looking your best strengthens your self-image, a stronger self-image increases your self-esteem, and a greater self-esteem brings greater success, along with healthy aging!

Developing a positive self-image is an inside job. It requires acceptance, forgiveness, and willingness to let go of your past and recognize your strengths and inner-beauty. Once we feel good on the inside and develop a positive self-image, we can work on the outside. Your self-image influences your esteem and is acquired during childhood. It includes personality, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and physical appearance.

Though we acquire our self-image and self-esteem during our childhood, that doesn’t mean we can’t strive to change! Many of us lived through an unpleasant childhood, giving us little to no self-worth. I was told throughout my childhood I was fat, ugly, and would never amount to anything. I lived through it and choose not to put myself through that lifestyle anymore, and only I can change my future!

“Feeling good about yourselves may in fact, be the cornerstone of our total well-being.”
—Barnett Baruch and Rivers, The Secret of Self Esteem

You must learn to accept what you can change and live happily with what you cannot change. Let’s look at some of the ways we can learn to change:

• Personal Image
• Build Stronger Self-Esteem
• Social Image
• Emotional Image
• Psychological Image
• Environmental Image
• Wellness Goals

My mission is to help women strengthen their self-esteem! Through a series of coaching sessions, we address many issues impacting our self-image, which affects our self-esteem. Some of the topics we work together on are building a strong and confident personal appearance, self-care, goals, self-acceptance, communication, rejection, attitude, taking charge of your life, and much more!

Seven out of ten Americans said physical appearance is important in terms of happiness, social life, and the ability to get ahead. Brian Tracy, author of The Psychology of Achievement, stated, “Many capable men and women are disqualified from job opportunities because they simply do not look the part.”

“If I could write a prescription for the women of the world, I would provide each of them with a healthy dose of self-esteem and personal worth . . . I have no doubt that this is their greatest need.”
—James Dobson

How do you feel about your self-image? What would you change if you could change one thing?

BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE!

For the past 32 years, Joanne Kanute has worked in the fashion, hair industry, and personal presentation field. She believes each person has their own individual beauty, and looking good on the outside is what makes people want to look inside to see what you are all about. Joanne is a Certified Master Image Consultant, Board Certified Master Certified Life Coach, and a licensed Cosmetologist. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the International Christian Coaching Association.