From a young age, many of us start comparing how we look to others—and those comparisons can stick with us for years. Whether it’s pressure to stay a certain size, hide signs of aging, or meet a beauty standard that feels impossible, how we see ourselves can have a major impact on our mental health.

In this episode, host Katherine Hurtig talks with social worker Sharona Pilmeister about where our self-image comes from and why it can be so hard to feel good about our appearance.  

Sharona shares practical ways to shift your mindset, including how to tune in to what your values are (not just what society expects), how to rethink comparison on social media, and how even small acts of self-compassion can make a big difference over time.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers.

For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.