I need to learn to love my body.
I’ve had this body for thirty-five years and it’s never fully made me happy.
The shoulders are too broad.
The hips are too narrow.
The belly is too squishy.
The feet are too wide.
The legs are too short.
The chins are too many.
And I have this child.
She’s eight.
She is everything smart and funny and bright and exhilarating in the world.
She has the eight year old version of this same body.
And? SHE.IS.GLORIOUS.
I need to stop telling her that she’s NOT.
I need to stop telling her she’s not glorious by constantly mentioning how I need to lose weight..which I do, but she doesn’t need to hear about it.
I need to stop telling her she’s not glorious by picking at my muffin top.
I need to stop telling her she’s not glorious by wincing at the ole’ bingo flaps.
I need to stop telling her she’s not glorious by bitching about how the pants aren’t too long, my legs are just too stumpy.
I need to stop telling her she’s not glorious by telling her I hate pictures of myself…when everyone tells her we look so much alike.
I need to learn to love this body.
Because she shows me how beautiful we are, every day.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s a terrifically difficult thing for so many of us to feel that we’re beautiful. Or maybe not beautiful, but even attractive. And unfortunately, so much of it does relate directly to how our mothers look/looked at themselves, which directly relates to how society as a whole looks at us. The fact that you’re aware of this and are striving to make changes is so wonderful and I applaud you wholeheartedly.
Ohhh, what a great post. @FeistyKel linked it.
You are both gorgeous. What a lovely photo. Best Wishes for joyful acceptance.
(I’m grateful for my broad shoulders! They help carry my weight better!)
Al_Pal´s last blog ..Sensitivity: I have it.
You are beautiful and I hope you recover very soon. My heart goes out for your family, and I'm sending lots of healing thoughts and prayers.
That is beautiful!
This post made me cry.
You see, my mom didn't love her body (still doesn't) and she has been on a diet for most of my 39 years. But it's not about me. It's about my anorexic sister. My naturally big boned, large footed, 5'6" sister that weighs less than a hundred pounds (unnaturally).
Please love yourself as you are!
You both are beautiful.
What a sweet & beautiful post.
I am teary-eyed. It's so poignant. i have often had these same thoughts for the sake of my own two mini-me's.
This is gorgeous. You are gorgeous.
Sweet and very true. Someday (some far far far far off day) when I have kids, I'm going to have to re-read this and remember.
Gorgeous, both of you.
Such a good reminder for all of us women and moms. Thank you.
Yes, yes, yes, my beautiful, beautiful friend.
I had the same realization not long ago about The Chicken and I. Struggling hard to be in more photos and not delete them.
such a beautiful photo of you two!
You both are very beautiful!
You are both BEAUTIFUL!!! Lovely post and yes, please tell her she is GLORIOUS!!!
XOXO
Always remember that under that comfortable cushion that YOU.ARE.RIPPED! And who the heck wants to be married to a bony person? All those angles jabbing at you in the bed. Give me something I can grab a hold of and hang on tight to. I worked hard for my bingo wings and muffin top. In fact I'm loving my chocolate Steak 'n Shake RIGHT NOW!!!!! We are ALL gorgeous.
Beautifully stated. I don't have a daughter (for now) but for the sake of all girls, we all need to start liking the way we look despite lacking in movie star qualities. If they see an average woman feeling proud and beautiful, it will offer an alternative to the idea that only models/celebrities are beautiful.
I need to work on it too. Good luck.
-Abby
Beautiful post Anissa.
Anissa you are a hottie! and yeah, I try to do that for my sister.
Precisely. I was thinking along the same lines when I read your reply to my comment about your hair. You are so beautiful, so shut up
You are both GORGEOUS.
Beautiful, both of you, with wonderful recommendations for all of us who hate our legs.
Yes – stop that immediately. Your child is radiantly beautiful, and she looks JUST like her mama… I adore you, lady. Be kind to yourself. Promise. xox
This is gorgeous.You go, Mama.
I try to be careful in front of my sons with this stuff because I know it will shape their view of women and how women are supposed to look. I think of it more when I'm putting on makeup (Mama, why do you put that on?)
And? To quote my husband regarding muffin tops? It's the best part of the muffin, Baby.
Such a wonderful reminder of how children change everything. Good for you!
Beautiful. Just beautiful. I need to do the same.
Exactly. MWAH!
Thanks for a great blog post. I have and always have had issues with my body, and I'm so afraid to be a negative influence to my kids. Good luck and all the power to you! You and your daughter are both beautiful!
That child is simply gorgeous. And you do look so much alike. Ergo …
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