The dictionary defines perception as the understanding, knowledge gotten by perceiving, or a specific idea, concept or impression so formed. The media and our environment play a big part in how we view ourselves. The media sells us miracle diets, exercise equipment, miracle drinks & creams. You start to compare yourself to the people you see on TV, magazines and newspaper articles.
The environment you grew up in affects your view of yourself. It can have a negative or positive effect. Growing up in a dysfunctional home nearly always effects our perception of ourselves. Most people growing up in a severely dysfunctional home have a very poor view of themselves. No one was in the home to tell them any different so they believed what was said and what was heard.
These negative feelings follow us throughout our whole entire lives. We grow up continuing to believe the things that were said whether it was positive or negative. Imagine what it would feel like to grow up in a home where you were always told how ugly you were or that you would never amount to anything. What about being told that you were too fat or too thin?
When I was growing up people judged you by the color of your skin and how much you weighed. People would talk about you if you did not have the shape that society said you should have. All of this shapes our perception of ourselves. We live a life time trying to live up to these standards that are set for us by the media and other people. It's time to wake up and see ourselves for the wonderful person we are
