I saw myself in what Christina wrote, as I was once in her shoes, with a B.Sc. in Psychology and a dream I wanted to implement. After graduation from my university programs, I sent out emails just like Christina’s to connect with people and organizations. Since we could all use a vote of confidence in our lives, I invited Christina to share her Record Worthy Practice with all of us.

What is one word that would describe summer for you?

For me, I think of SHINE! Perhaps it is because of the warm sunshine, or that every living thing seems so alive and free.

One of those things that I keep free and flowing during the summer is my hair. You see, those who have naturally curly or wavy hair will totally understand; no matter how hard you try to straighten your hair, heat or moisture cause it to go back to its flowing state. Therefore, in the summer, I spend less time straightening my hair, as there really is no point with the humidity and my love of being in the water.

Ever have a love/hate relationship with a place that you enjoy so much, yet it causes you great anxiety when you are there?

In my experience, this place has been the water’s edge (i.e., the beach).

As you may know, I have been reaching out and asking people I admire what daily practices (i.e., record worthy practices) they perform in their lives to feel better about themselves. I encourage you to sit back, put away your distractions for a few minutes, and reflect. Think about how you can apply the record worthy practice, which is shared below, in your life.

Today. Anne-Sophie Reinhardt shares her record worthy practice with all of us.

I'm so excited! My book "Stand Tall & Speak From the Heart: How to Find Your Way" is DONE! I can't wait for you to read it.

I have to thank my amazing designer, Tara Jacek, who put this book together beautifully. I recommend her to anyone as she took my vision and turned it into reality - all without ever meeting me. She has been a loyal contributor to my blog and has really encouraged me to share my story.

I'm excited to share this personal post with you about how I learned to embrace my body.  I hope you enjoy it! Also, check out my interview with The Gold Zebra as I'm featured as blogger of the week starting today.

The journey to stand taller ( i.e., stand/walk tall means to be proud of yourself and confident of your abilities) started with a purchase. A few years ago, I bought the prettiest pair of high heels. The best part about them is they are four-inch heels. Now I know, you are probably thinking, “Arianna, WHY are you sharing your purchase with us?!”

I found out yesterday that I won Best Body Image Blogger for the 2012 Nourishing Body Image Awards.  I'm honoured and humbled as this award came from you my readers.  You all took the time to nominate me and continue to support the work that I'm doing.  This award is not just for me - it's for you!  I may write Arianna's Random Thoughts but the site would be NOTHING without my readers and supporters.  We are all in this together. 

Voting ends Friday, October 26, 2012 so please vote for me this week if you can.  

I would love and appreciate your support! Since this award is not about me, it's about you!  We are a community that believes in developing better relationships with ourselves so we can persevere through tough times and become our best selves. :)

I have to share with you this moving video about Jennifer Livingston, a Wisconsin television anchor, who received an insulting email from a viewer criticizing her weight.  The reason I find this video powerful is because of how she COPED with the situation.  As you all know, my work revolves around body-image, self-esteem, and coping, so I love when I encounter role models who are sharing their stories with others.

We all encounter setbacks and critics; it is all about how you deal with them.  In Jennifer's case, instead of dwelling on the man's mean words, she PERSEVERED! 

Anne-Sophie Reinhardt is an anorexia survivor, body image expert, author, and blogger at Anne-Sophie. She empowers you to achieve a healthier and more successful life by returning to your true purpose and values.  Anne-Sophie graciously offered to take part in the series and also has a special suprise for the first twenty people to comment on her interview.   Thank you Anne-Sophie for sharing with us. Curious as to what the suprise is, you will have to get to the end of the article to find out :)

Today, I am taking that step through writing out my thoughts on an issue that is sensitive and personal to me: body-image bullying. In the past, I was ashamed to discuss this subject but I soon realized that this is an important topic to share.  I have come to learn that if I don’t speak up, who will?    

Years ago, my second-year social psychology professor shared a case with our class that taught me to never rely on someone else to take action.  My professor was talking about the famous Kitty Genovese case that occurred during the early 1960’s. In a populous U.S. neighbourhood one morning, Kitty was attacked on a street and left to die over a 45-minute period. Kitty’s death was heart-breaking for its needlessness: 38 people witnessed her attack, but none did anything to help her! Kitty’s story is not the only documented case of the Bystander Effect; there are many more where people didn’t do anything to help someone in extreme need; they thought another person was taking care of it. 

Julie Parker is a certified coach and clinical counsellor for women who want to shine with passion, confidence and unshakable self-respect - and take magnificent strides towards beautiful bodies, beautiful businesses and beautiful lives. Through 1:1 sessions, both in person in Melbourne and virtually around the world, Julie’s clients sift through their dreams, set crystalline goals, dissolve limiting beliefs and celebrate their successes as they begin to live their song. At Beautiful You, Julie shares inspiring images and empowering words to help women cherish their bodies and claim their brilliance. She just recently created the Beautiful You Coaching Academy to help mentor life coaches.  So exciting. Find her online at BeautifulYouCoachingAcademy.com, Facebook, and Instagram.