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I think I'm great!

Satisfied with yourself

Almost every woman is dissatisfied with her appearance. No reason for self-doubt, say these JOY readers - and tell how they escaped the perfection trap and learned to love themselves and their body.

women
Photo: Frank Lother Lange
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  1. Singing gave her more confidence
  2. Ballet is like a lift for the soul
  3. Personality counts
  4. Drawing makes you happy
  5. Safe appearance is important
  6. After the hairdresser visit, she felt better
  7. Tattoos are sexy
  8. Nevertheless, sometimes it has to be a pampering day
  9. Reiki helps to relax

Positive radiation

"I also find myself nice and nice, because I am at peace with myself!"

Maria, 29, Osnabrück, aspiring music teacher

In the past, I did not want to look in a mirror. I weighed 85 kilos at a height of 1.55 meters. In school sports, I made new excuses every week, I hated the boys' looks and changing clothes. Through my hobbies dancing and running, I've lost ten kilos in the meantime, but I still do not have a model figure. But I feel nice today. In my opinion, beauty is mainly about being at peace with yourself and your soul and radiating something positive. I sing in the gospel choir, which taught me that beautiful sounds are always coupled with feelings and have a lot to do with the inner attitude.

Singing gave her more confidence

In the same way, I think, it is also with the outer beauty, a beautiful person does not necessarily have perfect proportions, but just feel comfortable in his body - because that radiates then also. Singing is enormously important for my sense of self - and therefore much more than a hobby: I am currently doing an apprenticeship as a music teacher, singing alongside the gospel choir in a band and running a children's choir. The positive feedback that I get after the rehearsals and performances is always the best push for my self-confidence! My happy-go-lucky tip

When I'm down, I run a round in the forest - that immediately arouses the happiness hormones!

Dancing makes you happy

"Ballet automatically gives more grace - and lifts the soul"

Ricarda, 24, Cologne, psysiotherapist

At the age of 13, I got my first pair of glasses and was just totally scared. At that time I really wanted to become a dancer - and not look like a secretary. Until my teacher gave me a devastating assessment: For a ballerina I would be too tall and too heavy with 1.79 meters. Of course, that made me feel clumsy afterwards. Especially since I like to eat sweets. Two years later I had to give up my dream of a ballet career because of a broken knee.

Ballet is like a lift for the soul

But I wanted to help others if I could not dance myself. That's why I studied physiotherapy. The best idea of ​​my life, because I think it's great when I can take patients their pain. In the meantime, I am even dancing myself again, as a hobby. It does not matter if it's too big or too chubby: Anyone who does ballet automatically gets more grace - and it's also a lift for the soul! By the way, my shortsightedness has become a trademark: Contact lenses would not be an option for me, I prefer to wear smart new glasses every year!

My happy-go tip

Dancing is an absolute ego booster! It does not have to be ballet, even at home auspowern to pop music is great.

Naturalness wins

"Make-up or high heels I do not need!"

Manu, 28, Dingolfing, accounting power

I do not care what others think of me. That's exactly what I like about myself. As a teen, I was insecure and closed, afraid of the judgment of others - until I met my best friend Elisabeth in graduating class. Her was my weaknesses - I suffered from pimples and was always fast at 180 - no matter, she made me aware of my strength: my big heart.

Personality counts

I feel nice because I am who I am. It's not just about looks but about my personality! I do not pretend - men often tell me that they just love this unadorned, natural kind.

My happy-go tip

Speed: A ride on inline skates or by bike works wonders!

Discover your own beauty

"A simple compliment opened my eyes!"

Lisa, 19, Westheim, dental technician trainee

I used to be kidnapped for my stubborn hair - and I was suffering. But three years ago a lady in the street told me: "Oh, your curls are beautiful, you look like an angel!" That changed something in me at once: I stopped pursuing the beauty ideal - thin, with straight hair and became what I am: feminine and with curls. With everything that goes with it!

Drawing makes you happy

I take care of my hair every other day for over an hour, but blow-drying takes 45 minutes. Four months ago, I met my friend Thomas. His third sentence to me was: "Man, do you have great hair!" And if I feel uncomfortable in my skin on a bad day, then I draw. I can completely lose myself in that - and in the end I am proud of the result!

My happy-go tip

Unwrap the cupboard and arrange the clothes according to color makes you happy immediately.

Every now and then you have to treat yourself to something

"The main thing is that the overall picture is right"

Taleja, 27, Frankfurt, business student

With the birthmark on the left upper arm and my big feet - I'm wearing size 40 - I'm not flawless. But beauty is always in the eye of the beholder! I like to look at myself and stand by that I find myself beautiful. Since I was 17, I do not wear Levi's anymore, but elegant clothes. From then on, I was taken much more seriously! Often it is not easy to describe why a person entering a room suddenly attracts all attention.

Safe appearance is important

I think self-assured demeanor and an upright posture are the first step in looking attractive to other people. Therefore, I regularly practice belly dancing, make-up and spend about 100 euros per month for clothes. Of course, not only the shell, but also the content should be right. I'm a good listener and pretty well read. That came to me in the TV quiz "Duel in the First" benefit, in which I have won 20, 000 euros! Whenever I'm down, I watch the video of it.

My happy-go tip

Take a photo shoot with a professional photographer and hang the best picture!

Even moms need pamper days

"I am a thoroughbred mom - but every four weeks we go to the noble barber!"

Jessica, 33, Munich, Tourism Specialist

My daughter Leah (5) was extremely demanding as a baby and toddler. I could not put her down for a second, she screamed immediately. As a result, I could hardly sleep, had dark circles and never enough time for myself. I have always indulged in only one ritual, which has "saved" me during this time: the monthly visit to my Munich salon "Hair Project". 120 euros I pay for the hair, plus 50 euros for the manicure.

After the hairdresser visit, she felt better

A lot of money, but then I feel really good every time! That's why I still do this regularly, without any guilty conscience. I still admire the power and stamina I initially demonstrated with Leah. I think I did my best. Leah is a great and confident child. I myself was very different, insecure, anxious and self-doubting.

That's why I wanted all the more to spare Leah. And it makes me really happy that I did that together with my husband! I used to be teased because I was scrawny and looking much younger. Today, that is exactly what benefits me: I am often estimated to be in my early twenties and slim without dieting. In New York, I was even approached by a model scout, which has caressed my ego madly!

My happy-go tip

Invite friends, karaoke machine or singstar and sing along!

Find your own type

"Women and men compliment my tattoos"

Tanja, 31, Dusseldorf, car mechanic

Since I can think, I stand on tattoos! Shortly after my 18th birthday, I had my first idea engraved, an ornament around the belly button. I bit my tongue, it hurt so much, but that made me all the more proud. I would like to walk around in the winter belly-free! I find that making tattoos stronger and invulnerable. With the years, more and more were added, today there are twelve, mostly Asian motives, koi, dragons, they stand for strength, courage, wealth.

Tattoos are sexy

All my ex-friends found the artworks sexy! This has twice encouraged me to feel nice, even if my butt could be a little smaller. In the meantime, I have learned to tattoo myself and I have motives that I design. I have always been gifted as a craftsman, so I also applied for a car mechanic apprenticeship. I'm just doing my master and then have all the dear colleagues, who fired always stupid sayings, hung. I think I am a strong woman!

My happy-go tip

Sometimes I give a little something that I bought for myself, spontaneously to a friend - that enchants the whole day!

With ambition upwards

"I am very ambitious, but I can also spoil myself"

Katja, 22, Cologne, student

13 years ago I came with my parents from St. Petersburg to Cologne. I could not speak German, was scrawny, wore glasses and felt at school as an outsider because I was being teased about my bust. That's why I was looking for something to shine with: I was crazy like crazy, allowed to go to high school - and managed the Abi with an average of 2.3! Today I speak german accent-free and study Educational Science. Both make me incredibly proud!

Nevertheless, sometimes it has to be a pampering day

With all ambition I can enjoy, treat myself to a great meal or go shopping. I especially like my eyes - my friend loves them very much. Once, surprisingly, a small box of Swarovski lay in my pocket. They were earrings with a green stone. "They go so well with your green eyes, " he said. I think it was only through him that I noticed how beautiful they are.

My happy-tip

The most beautiful thing right now in autumn is for me first a walk in the rain, then an extensive home spa!

Learning to love the body

"I used to be anorexic - today I learned to love myself and my body!"

Katharina, 21, Nuremberg, aspiring speech therapist

I feel nice - finally! That was not always the case: As an adolescent I was anorexic, had thrown myself down to 34 kilos. In therapy, I was encouraged to become independent, to take my life into my own hands. At 17, I left home. Although it felt strange to suddenly decide everything for myself, I also found it exciting. When I realized how well I can take care of myself, I got better bit by bit! Every day, with mantra-like phrases like "you're unique and important, " I've got courage.

Reiki helps to relax

Today I weigh 50 kilos and find myself beautiful, my big brown eyes, my mouth, especially when I laugh. To relax, I do Reiki several times a week. Also, sports, especially jogging, is very important for me to get the head free and to feel physical limits. This is good not only for a slim, well-trained figure, but also for the psyche! My best friend always says I have such a sparkling smile that makes the blackest day a bit pink. That's true beauty, right?

My happy-tip

In a bad mood, I box for five minutes vigorously in a pillow - then I feel immediately solved!

Psychology: Instructions for Happiness on SHAPE Online >>

Job: Overstrained by the mother ideal on COSMOPOLITAN Online >>

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