Three Steps to Total Body Confidence

I am so sick of the perfect body image. I mean, what's "perfect" anyway?

Magazines are photoshopped.
Television has flattering lighting.
Even that perfect mom you see at the pool probably could list off twenty things she hates about her body.

In short, there is no perfect. But you can develop a perfectly healthy approach to your body--in three simple steps.

#1-Embrace ALL your body. Your body does a lot for you. It gets you up every morning. It has helped you bring life into this world. It carries you around to do all the things you have to do, and all the things you love to do. Your heart keeps pumping, your nerves keep firing, your breath keeps going in and out. Be grateful! Look at everything that is right about your body and quit focusing on what's wrong. For example, when you walk in the morning, don't begrudge that bee-hind for having some extra wiggle. Praise those legs for keeping up the pace! This little change in perspective does wonders. For the longest time, I hated my belly for having loose tissue and stretch marks. Now, I love it. It's a part of me. It tells a rich and wondrous story. And, yes, I even wear a two-piece at the pool and flaunt it--imperfections and all.

#2-Imagine who you are becoming. Instead of looking into the mirror and being critical, keep your focus on the body that you are developing. This vision will keep you exercising longer, pushing out more reps when you workout, and will also encourage you to put back that potato chip and reach for a carrot. It's all in how you perceive your body. Don't see your flaws. If you hold on to ideas such as, "I'm fat," "I'm out of shape," or "I'm tired," then that's all your body is ever going to be. You've got to change it up in your head before you can ever change it up in your body. See that body that you are developing. Then, quit with the excuses and start making it happen.

#3-Create a daily habit of training. Now, don't roll those eyes when I start talking about exercise. Exercise is vital to your health. It gives you more energy. It helps you live longer. It gets you in great shape. And it makes you confident and sexy!! Your body was made to work and if you're not working it, then it's going to break down and leave you stranded. Find something you love to do and do it--every day! I am not one of those people who advise to work out 3-4 times a week. The reason? It's too difficult for moms to develop a routine like that because our lives are so erratic. We need DAILY training, even if it means just putting on a great playlist and getting your groove on.

Practice these tips and you'll not only be fit as a fiddle, but you'll have the confidence to play your own tune!

Hannah Keeley is the founder of [http://www.totalmom.com] and the mother of seven kids. She is an author, blogger, lifestyle expert, host of the television show Hannah Help Me!, which is airing in its second season.