Sometimes we are so caught up in scrutinizing our bodies for what they look like (or what we wish they could look like) that we miss out on opportunities to acknowledge that our bodies serve us in some pretty incredible ways.

As part of their Redefining Beauty program, a group of girls from Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis recently sat down to write thank you letters to their bodies. Here are a few excerpts.

Dear Eyes,

Thanks for letting me see the beauty in other people.

Love,

Kennedi

Dear Elbow,

Thank you for letting me have a funny bone.

Love,

Adele

Dear Brain,

Thank you for giving me wonderful and crazy ideas.

Lilian

Forget wanting longer, fuller lashes or thinner, more toned thighs. Why are you thankful for your body--the way it is right now? What would YOUR letter say?

This post is part of the 2011 Love Your Body Day Blog Carnival.