Next Time You Glance in the Mirror and Feel Discontent with Your Body, Try This Exercise Instead

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This week, I went shopping with one of my favorite friends, Jamie. She’s a savvy shopper with a knack for finding deals at T.J. Maxx. Being with her is a delight because she’s absolutely stunning — tall, slim, and with hair that flows like a dream. You know the type, right? Whatever she picks from the rack looks incredible.

Maxi dress? Adorable. Cute romper? Flawless.

Honestly, I think she could roll in mud and still look like royalty. She’s just that fabulous.

Shopping for my own figure can be a bit more complicated, but on this day, luck was on our side. Just twenty minutes into our shopping spree, we found ourselves twirling in front of the dressing room mirrors, both wearing the same lovely floral dresses. What are the chances? It was pure magic.

We high-fived at the checkout, ecstatic about our $20 fashion finds. We were gearing up for a party later, and we felt ready to shine.

“Tonight is going to be amazing!” I joked.

“Double the glamour!” she replied.

Fast forward a few hours, and I got a text from Jamie.

“Ugh. Why did I even buy this dress?”

To me, it was obvious — she looked fantastic in it.

“Because it highlighted your waist, your legs looked incredible, and the print was gorgeous! Plus, it was only $20. That’s why! See you tonight!”

Her response? A frowning emoji.

To my surprise, Jamie didn’t show up in her floral dress that night. She spent too long in front of the mirror convincing herself that she didn’t look good enough.

It left me stunned. How could someone so beautiful see anything but perfection? I’m often taken aback by how many talented, stunning women struggle with self-image. I’ve even been called out by friends for having the same thoughts.

Mamas, let’s have a heart-to-heart.

It’s astonishing how many of us grapple with negative body talk. How many of us have uttered harsh words about ourselves? Words like “fat” or “flabby”? Yep.

That’s why I’m reaching out today. Sisters, if we really feel this way about our bodies, perhaps it’s time for a little exercise… in self-love.

Right now, I want you to take a moment to join me. Yes, you. “No way! I don’t need this! I’m confident!”

Really? Did you try on an outfit this week and huff in frustration at what you saw? Did you snack and feel instant guilt? Did you compare yourself to someone else and end up feeling inferior?

Yeah, take a seat. I promise this will only take a minute.

It might feel a bit awkward, but it’s essential. Because, mamas, these bodies we often despise? They created life.

Beneath those stretch marks, there was once a precious miracle — your baby. Those marks are a roadmap of your journey.

So, when you look in the mirror and feel let down, cut it out. It’s time we stop the cycle of self-hatred and embrace our bodies for what they are: miraculous. Love yourself as you are. That doesn’t mean your body can’t change; it just means the body you have right now is worthy of love and appreciation.

So, let’s take a moment to celebrate our beautiful, amazing, ever-evolving mom bodies.

Still with me? Great. Let’s get started.

1. Place your hands on your hips. Now shake them! Dance like no one’s watching. Because your hips are there, and for now, enjoy them. They made you a mother! They grew in anticipation of new life, making childbirth possible. So, let’s drop the negativity. And while you’re at it, as you carry your little ones, be grateful for those hips that make it possible. Say it: “Thank you, curvy hips!”

2. Examine your stretch marks. Feel them, touch those red, purple, or silver lines. Appreciate them. Each line tells a story of growth, twists, and turns. At one point, they were a home for a living miracle. Rejoice in them, because they made you a mother. Say it with me: “Thank you, stretchy skin.”

3. Embrace your belly. Wrap your arms around yourself and give that tummy pouch a hug. Love it. Remember the nine months you spent nurturing that little one. The warmth, the kicks, the moments of anticipation. That bulge was once a safe haven. Don’t resent it for still being there; be grateful for its existence. Let’s say it together: “Thank you, soft belly.”

4. Now look at your child. You created that! Your body did that. Be proud! Pat yourself on the back and marvel at your incredible body that brought forth a new life. Don’t resent it for the changes; celebrate the miracle. Repeat after me: HOORAY FOR SPACE! HOORAY FOR LIFE! HOORAY FOR MY AMAZING BODY!

Now, do me a favor: keep your focus on your children and stop staring in that mirror. Because, girl, you are stunning. You are incredible. You are strong. You are a mother. No mirror can truly reflect your beauty or worth.

This article was originally published on May 15, 2017.

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Summary:

This article encourages women, particularly mothers, to embrace their bodies and let go of negative self-talk. Through a series of affirmations and exercises, it fosters self-love and appreciation for the changes that come with motherhood. The message is clear: our bodies are capable of incredible things, and they deserve to be celebrated.