As I scroll through the photos on my phone, a jarring image catches my eye. My first reaction? Shock. Who took this unflattering picture of me? A wave of self-criticism washes over me, almost bringing me to tears. Just as I’m about to hit delete, my son, Ethan, strolls into the room.
“Do you know anything about this picture?” I ask, turning the screen toward him. He beams. “I snapped that while we were in Tahoe! You looked so beautiful lying there, Mom.”
“You should ask me before using my phone to take photos,” I reply, trying to maintain a sense of authority.
“I know,” he says, “but seriously, look how pretty you are!”
I glance at the picture again, trying to see it through his eyes. My daughter, Lily, joins us and glances at the screen. “That could be a postcard, Mom!” she says with a smile. “You’re stunning! I love it.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a shift. This is exactly what I needed. My instinct is to zoom in on my flaws, but I’m beginning to see differently.
Yes, I still notice my dimply thighs, but I also see a mom who just spent hours exploring the lake with her kids. I notice my chubby arms, yet I remember how I helped my little ones navigate rocky paths and scorching sand. I see a woman in a black swimsuit, trying to hide her weight, but also a mother who fiercely loves her children and embraces adventure.
Like many women, I have battled with my weight for most of my life, and I don’t have a naturally slender figure. Right now, I weigh more than I have in a decade. But this time, I’m not letting that hold me back. I’m wearing tank tops, sundresses, and swimsuits in public. I’m running around with my kids this summer, and occasionally, I even feel attractive.
Yes, you heard that right.
“I feel pretty. Oh so pretty. I feel pretty and witty and bright,” I sing to myself—well, not quite, but something along those lines. Is it because I’m getting older? Or perhaps I have more important matters to focus on than just my appearance? Maybe it’s the way my kids gaze at me with such admiration.
Truthfully, it doesn’t matter. The significant change is that I no longer hate my body. That’s a monumental realization for me, one that’s difficult to grasp. I’m committed to exercising and maintaining my health because I want to be around for a long time. But right now, my goal is to love my body just as it is. I want to see myself through my children’s eyes.
Thank you, kids.
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Summary
This piece reflects on body image and self-acceptance through the eyes of a mother. The author shares a heartwarming moment with her children that shifts her perspective on her appearance. Rather than focusing on flaws, she begins to appreciate her body for the experiences it allows her to share with her kids, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance.