As summer unfolds and my two eldest daughters head off to sleepaway camp, I decided to compile a to-do list filled with aspirations for the time I have to myself. This includes ambitious projects like decluttering the garage, donating unused clothing, and vacuuming beneath the furniture. Yet it also encompasses personal goals such as daily walks, finally finishing that novel I’ve been immersed in for two months, and indulging in a facial. This list captures all the tasks that slipped through the cracks during the school year, the spring cleaning I neglected, and the self-care intentions I’ve aimed for in my quest to nurture myself and create space in my life.
Now two weeks into this summer adventure, I’ve accomplished a few chores, but there’s one unexpected activity that has become almost routine: wandering around the house naked.
For those of you who confidently stroll through your homes in the nude, this might seem trivial, perhaps even unworthy of a to-do list. However, for others, the absence of children presents a golden opportunity to embrace nudity. Personally, being naked isn’t part of my usual routine nor is it a deliberate choice. Yet here I am, sorting laundry, heading downstairs for a refreshing Diet Coke and a handful of pretzels, and lounging on my bed scrolling through Facebook—all while completely unclothed. What’s going on?
With three kids and a husband frequently darting in and out of every room, I rarely enjoy privacy. Our house’s design lacks locks on the interior doors, leaving me vulnerable to my husband’s curious gaze, the inquisitive stares of my tweens, and the innocent yet candid remarks from my four-year-old, who recently exclaimed, “Mama, your butt is squishy!” As charming as their presence is, it doesn’t allow for much alone time to appreciate my naked self. Now that I have the house to myself, I’m discovering what I’ve been missing.
I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for my mid-40s body, which has undoubtedly changed since my 20s and early 30s, prior to marriage and motherhood. Back then, I stressed over my appearance, always chasing the ideal figure, worrying about every imperfection. I often compared myself to the slender women in the city and questioned whether my naked form would ever be deemed worthy of love—by someone else or even myself.
Now, I’ve shifted my perspective towards gratitude and self-acceptance. I recognize my body’s capabilities and its journey, its limitations, and surprising resilience. It’s accomplished feats like running a marathon, participating in tennis tournaments, and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for three weeks. My body has nurtured and healed after challenges, including a difficult miscarriage. While I still note the changes—freckles, scars, and a few extra wrinkles—the focus has shifted from critique to observation. Honestly, I feel good about how I look, and more importantly, I love how I feel.
With two weeks remaining before my home fills up again, I intend to savor my nudity. I plan to wrap up that novel, perhaps treat myself to a facial, and ponder that garage clean-out. Oh, and I’ve added one more task to my list: Contact the locksmith.
For more insights on navigating motherhood and self-care, check out our other posts at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in home insemination, Cryobaby provides excellent resources. Additionally, CCRM IVF’s blog offers valuable information on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, this summer has become a time of self-discovery and appreciation for my body, free from the daily hustle of family life. With my to-do list in hand, I’m ready to embrace this summer, one naked moment at a time.