Today I’m Wearing Shorts and Embracing My Beauty

Let’s be real for a minute. Shorts season has historically been a bit of a struggle for me. But this year? After all the hard work I’ve put into loving myself? I can hardly believe it!

Throughout the day, I found myself hyper-aware of my body in ways I usually manage to ignore. I noticed the little crease at my waist—a reminder of the changes that came with having a baby. My thighs? Yep, they still rub together like they have since middle school. And every time I caught my reflection in a window, I couldn’t help but notice how my upper arms looked fuller than I’d like.

By the end of the day, I was in a pretty sour mood. I felt down about myself, exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to hide under the blankets forever.

Spring: The Season for Diets

It all began when I was about 12. As shorts weather rolled around, I was acutely aware of how I looked and felt. I was already wearing adult sizes while still being a kid, so I went on my first diet. That marked the beginning of a two-decade struggle with my body image.

My Body Was Never Enough

I fluctuated between being heavier and lighter, but even at my smallest, I still felt dissatisfied. No matter how much I slimmed down, I always saw the flaws.

So what was I really feeling when I put on those shorts and thought I looked “fat”? It was more about feeling inadequate, judged, and ashamed of my body.

Maybe I’m Just Sad

After feeling down for a couple of days, I became angry, which often means I’m grieving something deeper. That 12-year-old girl was perfectly fine just as she was, yet I wasted so much time fixating on calories instead of enjoying simple joys like lying in the sun.

When I was pregnant, for the first time, I actually appreciated my body. It was incredible to watch it adapt and change to nurture my baby. Even breastfeeding had its moments of struggle, but I could focus on the miracle of motherhood.

But now? My “baby” is over two years old. Can I still embrace my body when it’s not actively nurturing life? Society doesn’t always celebrate bodies like mine. Sure, we’ve made progress, but good luck finding plus-size shorts that don’t have some tummy-tucking gimmick!

Enough is Enough

I’ve wasted so much time: from that fateful day at 12 when I decided my body wasn’t good enough, to last night when I let my insecurities overshadow precious moments with my child. No more of that!

Today, I’m wearing shorts and choosing to feel beautiful. I’m joining the #takebackpostpartum movement and reclaiming my power to love my body just as it is. So today, as I walk to the park with my son, I will appreciate my strong legs and fully embrace the body I’m in. Because I’m done with self-hate.

Who’s with me? Who else is rocking their shorts today?

For more insights on motherhood and self-love, check out this article related to our journey. And if you’re looking for expert resources on pregnancy, Women’s Health is an excellent go-to. Also, for those considering a home insemination route, Cryobaby’s kit is a great place to start!

Summary

In this personal reflection, the author shares her struggles with body image, particularly during shorts season. Despite a history of dieting and feeling inadequate, she decides to embrace her body and reclaim her confidence by wearing shorts. By joining the #takebackpostpartum movement, she aims to focus on self-love and the joy of motherhood, encouraging others to do the same.