The process of achieving and maintaining a positive self-image can be difficult. Often, it seems easier said than done. People who live their lives in the public eye often have an even greater task of this than we might think. Take for example, She's Top 10 list, chosen by our readers, of women who portray a positive self-image.

     We may have thought it was great for Margaret Cho to get her own sitcom, but did any of us think about the pressures put upon her about her weight that sent her into Anorexia and drug abuse? What about Gioia Bruno who was at the height of her career with Exposé when she was stricken with throat cancer? Then there's Betty DeGeneres. We know her as the voice of loving parents with gay and lesbian children. But what did she go through as she watched her daughter risk a thriving career by coming out publicly? Melissa Etheridge. The details of her life that she revealed in her autobiography were, at times, heart wrenching for readers. What about the person who lived all that? What about Rebecca Walker, half African-American, half Jewish and bisexual? One can only imagine the lack of acceptance she must have suffered from so many.

    Each of these women has overcome their own set of obstacles and circumstances. To many of us they are inspiring. So, we contacted them all to request that they share some of their experience and wisdom. We asked each of these 10 incredible women, you selected, the following question:

What have you done to achieve and maintain
a positive self-image?

I make certain I like who I am each and every day. If I've done something good for someone else, made a positive impact through POWER UP, done my job the best I can, managed to get someone to see things a little differently or shed a little light, then I feel as though I'm making a contribution to the bigger picture, and that makes me feel good about who I am.
Producer,
Co-Founder: Power Up

At a young age I was given a gift, and I do not know the source. But I understand to be a lesbian and alive at this moment in history not only gives one a fascinating and colorful journey in life, it is literally is a gift from the universe. I cannot imagine a more unique perspective on the world.
 
Executive Director, HRC
 
 I have a strong sense of faith in what I feel is the truth. We're here to love one another. I don't focus on the differences but on the common denominators—the fact that we are all human and connected. That's where the real truth lies.
.
Singer/ Songwriter
The most important thing that I've done to achieve and maintain a positive self-image is to learn to make my opinions count more than anyone else's.
 
Comedian
                                      I think of myself in a positive way, and I speak for parents who love unconditionally. I try not to present negativity, but the enormous amount of love we have to give to the wonderful gay and lesbian children in our nation.

Writer & Activist

I have lived my life in truth.
Singer/ Songwriter

                            
                           
Retail Therapy, massage therapy and just plain therapy.
Executive Director,
NCLR

                  I try to let positive feedback absorb into me and go, "...You've earned that. You should be proud." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I also get inspiration from women I admire. I often think, "What would Gloria, Oprah and Lily do?" When I'm able to do what I think they would do, I end up maintaining some truth and positive self-image. Sometimes I fail. But when I succeed, I "bank" it for the not-so-positive-moments.
Actress &
Activist


Whether it's in my movies "A Mother's Prayer," "The Truth About Jane" or "A Girl Thing" ... I always try to show people as human beings, flawed as they may be. I always try to tell the truth as I see it... and I always write the world the way I want it to be... a little more tolerant, a little more fair and a little more just. So in return for staying that course, I am satisfied that I am using my time on earth well.
Producer, Writer & Director


I am a great believer in therapy and spiritual practice. Without a safe place to look at and give voice to parts of myself that aren't so positive, I think I would be much more at their mercy. Being able to say, "Yuck, this part of me is not so sexy or compassionate," takes a lot of pressure off. Then I can say, "But these other parts are pretty damn good, and especially that part that cares and is trying to heal that other part." Meditation, acceptance & grace: without these three, I would be lost.
Writer