This wasn’t what I was scheduled to post this week, but given the summer months and the number of moms I know that “don’t participate” because of the way they look in a swim suit, I really felt like it must still talked about yet again. Not to mention, my littlest and I had a really amazing conversation about it bodies just moments ago.
I was in the bathroom (my bathroom mind you…obviously I get soooo much privacy) and both my littles came in. I brushed my hair, took off my jewelry and my clothes and prepared to get in the shower.
“Uhmm Mom…can you get a towel or something please?” my littlest asks.
“Why? I’m about to get in the shower.”
“Cause I don’t really want to see you naked…” she says as she looks down at her feet.
“Why not honey? Let’s talk about it.” I say to her.
“Well, you used to be full and now some of your skin looks empty and its weird” she replied looking at her feet, “I can’t see it when you have your clothes on.”
While at first it stung, in her innocence there was no malice. This gave us the most amazing opportunity to talk about bodies, and my body, and loving our body no matter what it might look like at a given time.
I explained to her that I had lost a lot of weight and so sometimes the weight comes off faster than the skin can keep up with, at which point I know lots of moms will look at Mommy Makeover in Bryn Mawr, PA to remove this, but out of personal preference this time I decided that in no-time flat it will catch up. I explained that the lines on my tummy were good reminders of how this body “cooked and carried” to little ones for 9 months each and grew perfect little girls.
We talked about appreciating how our bodies take us everywhere. And how important it is to take care of your body, because you only get the one. And when you don’t take care of your body for a while and then you start back, it takes a bit to catch back up. I assured her that I wasn’t empty, but more full of life and energy than ever before…we talked about our 3-day cartwheel battle and how this body couldn’t do that 6 months ago.
Think about how you talk about your body in front of your littles, in front of others and above all in front of yourself. Loving yourself is so freakin’ important. Me, in my human suit 9-10 months ago would have been WRECKED by her innocent comment.
I can’t say enough that you CAN’T make permanent changes in your shape without finding love for your body exactly how it is now. Sags and bumps, stretch marks and weird tan lines, freckles and wrinkles, each one has a purpose and a story to tell. Even other body insecurities, like prominent ears, make you who you are. And this is regardless of whether you decide to visit somewhere like this otoplasty Denver clinic to get them fixed. Don’t worry about what others think about this decision, if it will heighten your body confidence, then that is what you should do. Love yourself, be proud of who you are, show this next generation of girls that YES we want to be healthy inside and out but beauty is in everyone and every size and shape.
It took me a long time to be finally love me, to climb out of the self esteem deficit. To have confidence and be proud of my shape. I am beautiful inside and out and I know it, and I don’t say and share to brag or boast. I truly, truly want EVERYONE to look in the mirror and love themselves and know you don’t have to work and starve yourself to death to get there.
The funny thing is, there will always be someone who you look at and think, “damn I’d love to have that body” but the woman with “that body” is looking at someone else the same way. Love your self, take care of yourself, inside and out.