Dear Tummy,
We’ve had our ups and downs lately, haven’t we? I’ve been neglecting you, and in a sense, I’ve been holding you back. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster—me, trying to suck you in, and you, just trying to be your wonderful self.
I know it’s confusing. There was a time when I used to squeeze you into those constricting undergarments, but recently, I’ve loosened my grip. You probably think I’m playing some sort of cruel game, preparing to subject you to yet another round of brutal workouts led by a no-nonsense instructor sporting neon leotards. But I promise, this isn’t a trick, dear belly. This is about coming to terms with who we are, and realizing that we are, in fact, beautifully soft.
Can we embrace this softness together?
It’s true that things were different before my kids came along. We had our time at the gym, where we pushed ourselves to the limit with crunches and planks, fueled by the thrill of our youth. Remember those days? We reveled in the simplicity of a six-pack, or even splitting a six-pack with friends. Now it feels like we’re chasing an unattainable ideal, wasting time and money on designer abs instead of finding joy in our unique shape.
That’s why I’m reaching out to you now. It’s time for honesty. If our relationship has taken a turn, I’ll take responsibility for that. I’ve gotten too comfortable, yes. But you also need to ease up on your expectations. Eyeing that daring outfit in the back of my closet—the one that screams for a night out on the town—isn’t helping us either. And let’s not even talk about those Rag & Bone jeans that seem to be more of a torture device than a fashion statement.
So here we are, facing our issues. I haven’t had the time to read those stacked Self magazines, not when I’m too busy navigating motherhood! Trying to replicate those perfect poses on my living room floor is stressful enough without the added pressure of unrealistic beauty standards.
But here’s the truth, dear tummy: I see you for everything you are—the charming dimples, the way you’ve expanded to accommodate my life, and even those quirky little side handles that seem to have a mind of their own. My weight hasn’t changed, yet you’ve grown in your own special way, and I’m here to embrace that.
Let’s stop longing for the past; that’s meant for cheesy movies and reality stars trying to relive their glory days. Tummy, I want to call you that again because it feels right. Let’s grow together, and I mean really grow. If we let ourselves relax, we could find happiness down to our core.
With all my love (and a little extra padding),
Megan
P.S. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, you can check out this helpful post on intracervical insemination. And for authoritative insights on fertility, I recommend visiting Make A Mom and CCRM IVF.
Summary:
This heartfelt letter to my tummy highlights the ups and downs of body image and acceptance, particularly after motherhood. I reflect on our past, the challenges of unrealistic expectations, and the importance of embracing our softness together. By acknowledging our journey and letting go of past ideals, we can grow to find happiness in our own skin.