MARLA MARTENSON: How do you see yourself? Have you ever thought about it? Whether you realize it or not, we are constantly making judgments about ourselves.

It could be that you think you need to lose a few pounds, you have too many wrinkles, you aren't smart enough, your credit card debt should be paid off by now, you aren't in the social circle that you would like to be in, and it goes on and on.

You know what your problems, challenges, and weak spots are, but generally others do not.

I remember one time when I was living in Chicago the first time, I was married, basically unhappily, struggling financially, working as a waitress and going on auditions. I was working in a restaurant, not doing any better than any of the other waiters. I totally felt like they were my peers. We were in the same boat. We were also all about the same age. Then one day I found out from one of the waitresses that everyone thought that I was a rich bored housewife and that was why I took a job as a waitress. I was stunned! I guess I had an air about me that was upper crust, even in a uniform! Years later when I worked for a dating service in Los Angeles, clients always assumed I was the manager or owner. Ehere I work now, when people meet me outside the office they assume that I own the company.

So, it didn't matter that I was scared, insecure, struggling or broke, people had an opinion of me just by looking at me.

Now, I have also had a couple of experiences where, when I asked someone what they thought the first time they saw me, they told me that I looked like a bitch. Wow! That also stunned me, because I am one of the most friendly people anyone will ever meet and it occurred to me that since people automatically assume that I am successful, powerful, and at a great place in my life, that I should see my self that way too, no matter what is going on. That I can set my mind and my energy to believe and feel that I am worthy, I am successful, I'm in a loving relationship with my soul mate, I am creative, I am financially abundant, I am working in a career that I love, etc. etc.

So, since the universe sees you as all of those things already, why not accept this invitation to see yourself as all of those things. Know that you are a perfect creation on this planet and have a right to be here. You have a right to love, abundance, happiness, success, peace and more. You are worthy of living happily-ever-after with your soul mate just like in the fairy tales. You are going to visualize it and feeeel it until your lips tingle! You are going to feel your way into a fabulous relationship. You are going to feel like you already have everything that you desire and deserve. Have no doubts!

I was listening to a talk radio show tonight in my car on my way home from work and the host was talking about past relationships and the fact that after is was over, there was a reason and he never got back together with the same woman again. He said, "In my life, I don't push the rewind button!" I loved that!

I really took some time and pondered that message. They are words of wisdom that can applied to past mistakes in any arena - being bitter, rehashing the past, what you should have or could have done.

When it comes to relationships, do not press the re-wind button, take each person as a new and fresh experience, and see yourself as nothing short of fabulous! Be glad that you are you!

So many people are bored with themselves wishing that they were someone else or look like the latest celebrity or runway model. We have fashion models in our culture literally starving them-selves to death. We have young women filling their breasts with sacs of saline left and right just because they think it's the thing to do - that their breasts aren't good enough the way they are. We are BOTOXing every line from our faces because if we don't, we might be mistaken for our real age. Are we just this 'container' this 'sack' of skin, muscle and bones, or are we what's inside? Are we soul, spirit, creativity, light, love, and inspiration?

Look to the inside and you will find everything that you need, everything that you are looking for. Yes, it can be a challenge not to conform and we all want to look our best. There's nothing wrong with that. But our culture and the media have taken all of this to such an extreme, that no one feels good about them-selves anymore. And I don't know about you, but I want a man in my life who is going to love me and stand my me when crows feet make an appearance; I'm not fitting into a size two and I need to touch up those grey hairs a little more often.

I was laughing with my husband the other day at a shoe store. I was trying on a pair of boots and I said "I used to wear a 7, now I'm an 8, everything seems to get a little bigger as we age." "Yea." He said, "but then your gonna shrink!"

When we don't feel rich enough; thin enough, 'with it' enough, I say, "Enough is enough!" The feelings that we need to call forth are the powerful tingly, high frequency magnetic up, up and away vibes that are going to get you buzzing and feeling great about yourself and your situation because you are going to be pulling in some powerful stuff. So get ready to take control and vibrate your way to success in any area you put your attention on.

You have probably heard that saying "If you don't love yourself, no one else can love you." It is so true. Even when you do attract your soul mate into your life, if your self esteem is low and you keep putting yourself down, he/she probably won't stick around that long.

Saying daily affirmations is a good way to boost your self esteem. You can make up your own or use some of these.

1. Love pours into my life from every corner of the universe. I know that I am loved.

2. Mistakes don't bother me. If I mess up, I get right back on track. I am gentle with myself.

3. I am beautiful just the way I am.

4. I am an intelligent, creative being with lots to give to the planet.

5. I begin each day with a positive outlook. I intend for good things to happen.

6. I know that I am fully supported by the universe. I am worthy of all good things just because I am me.

7. I see the good in others and give other people a chance and therefore everyone sees the good in me.

8. I never give up on things that are important to me. The universe wants me to succeed. I am a success!

9. I am special and unique. There is no one else like me.

10. I believe in myself., I am a powerful vibratory being.

A great way to start your day is with some positive affirmations and visualizations. I like to visualize my day before I get out of bed in the morning. I affirm that the day will go smoothly, that my relationships with my co-workers will be harmonious and that it will be a wonderful, productive day.

As we are constantly bombarded with negative junk coming from the television, radio, co-workers etc. starting your day off on a positive note and affirming that you are a positive vibrational force in the universe will really make a difference.