This week, I had a fabulous shopping day with one of my best friends, Jenna. She’s a savvy shopper who can sniff out bargains at the T.J. Maxx clearance rack. Shopping with her is always a blast because she’s absolutely stunning — tall, slender, and with hair that could launch a thousand ships. You know the type? Whatever she picks off the rack, it looks like it was tailor-made for her.
Maxi dress? Utterly charming. Short romper? Flawless. I swear she could roll in mud and still emerge looking like royalty.
On the other hand, my body can be a little trickier to shop for. But on this day, luck was on our side! Just twenty minutes in, we found ourselves twirling in front of the dressing room mirrors, both wearing the same floral dress. What are the odds that two different women walk into the same dressing room, try on the same dress, and both leave with smiles? It felt magical.
We high-fived at the checkout, beaming with our $20 treasures, ready for a party later that night. “Hotness is on the agenda!” I laughed. “Double the fun!” Jenna chimed in.
A few hours later, I got a text from her. “Ugh. Why did I buy this dress?” I was baffled. To me, it was clear: she looked phenomenal in it. I replied, “You bought it because it highlighted your waist, your legs were on point, and the print was fabulous! Plus, it was $20! See you tonight!”
Her response? A frowning emoji. Jenna ended up not wearing that stunning floral dress, having spent those critical minutes in front of the mirror convincing herself she looked anything but fabulous.
I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could such a beautiful woman see anything less than perfection? But honestly, I’ve seen this happen with so many talented and gorgeous women, including myself at times.
Let’s Chat, Moms
It’s shocking how many of us struggle with self-image. How many times have we used unkind words to describe our bodies? Words like “fat,” “jiggly,” or even “gross”?
That’s why I’m reaching out today. Sisters, if we truly feel this way about our bodies, it’s time for a little exercise… in self-love.
Take a moment with me. Yes, you! “Uh… no thanks! I’m confident in my body!” Oh really? Have you recently tried on an outfit and huffed at your reflection? Felt guilty after a snack? Or compared yourself to someone else and ended up feeling inadequate? Okay, sit back down. I promise, this will only take a minute.
It might feel a bit odd, but it’s essential. Because those bodies we criticize so much? They created life. Underneath that scarred skin was once a little miracle — your baby. Those stretch marks are a map of your journey into motherhood.
So, if you look in the mirror and feel disappointment, it’s time to stop. We must break the cycle of self-loathing and embrace our bodies as the miraculous vessels they are. You need to love yourself as you are right now. That doesn’t mean you can’t evolve; it just means that the body you have today is worthy of appreciation.
So let’s show some love to our beautiful, ever-evolving mom bods.
Ready? Here We Go
- Place your hands on your hips. Now shake those gorgeous curves! Dance a little! Your hips may not fit into your “skinny” jeans anymore, but they made you a mother. Thank them for their role in creating life. Say it: “Thank you, curvy hips!”
- Take a moment to look at your stretch marks. Feel them. Appreciate each line as a testament to the growth that occurred. Those marks symbolize the incredible journey of carrying your child. Repeat after me: “Thank you, stretchy skin.”
- Now, embrace that mama belly. Wrap your arms around yourself and love that little pouch. Remember the nine months you spent nurturing your baby. That bulge was once a safe haven. Let’s say it together: “Thank you, soft belly.”
- Finally, look at your child. You created that miracle. Celebrate your body for its incredible ability to bring forth life. Now shout it out: HOORAY FOR LIFE! HOORAY FOR MY AMAZING BODY!
Now, here’s a thought: Keep your focus on your children and away from that mirror. Because, darling, you are stunning! You are strong! You are a mother! No mirror can ever capture your true beauty and worth.
Summary
This article encourages mothers to embrace self-love and appreciate their bodies for the life they have created. It provides a fun, engaging exercise to help shift focus from self-loathing to gratitude for the miraculous capabilities of their bodies.