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

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This week, I was out shopping with one of my closest friends, Jessie. She’s a savvy shopper who has an eye for finding treasures on the T.J. Maxx clearance rack. Shopping with her is always a delight because she’s absolutely stunning—tall, slender, with fabulous hair. She looks like a model no matter what she tries on. You know the type? Everything she picks off the rack seems to be a perfect fit.

Maxi dress? So cute. Short romper? Flawless. I’m convinced she could wear a potato sack and still look like royalty.

On the other hand, my own figure can be a bit trickier to shop for. But that day, fortune favored us both. Just twenty minutes into our adventure, we found ourselves twirling in front of the dressing room mirrors, both wearing matching floral dresses. What are the odds that two different women would walk into the same dressing room and both leave feeling fabulous? It felt like magic.

As we high-fived at checkout, thrilled to snag our $20 fashion finds, we were ready for a party later that evening.

“Tonight is all about looking hot!” I joked.

“Double the hotness!” she replied.

But a few hours later, I received a text that threw me off.

“Ugh. Why did I buy this dress?”

To me, it was clear: Jessie looked incredible in it.

“Because it accentuates your waist, your legs are stunning, and the print is beautiful! And it was only $20! That’s why, silly! See you tonight!”

Her response was a frowning emoji.

Jessie didn’t show up in that floral dress. Instead, she spent 20 minutes in front of the mirror convincing herself she looked terrible.

I was shocked. How could someone so beautiful see anything less than perfection? But then again, I often hear similar sentiments from other gorgeous, accomplished women—self-criticism runs deep. Honestly, I’ve been guilty of the same.

Mamas, can we talk for a moment?

It’s astonishing how many of us grapple with body image issues. Many of us have uttered cruel words about our bodies—labels like “fat,” “flabby,” or even harsher terms.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you today. If we genuinely feel this way about our bodies, it’s time for a little exercise… in self-love.

Right now, I want you to take a minute and join me. Yes, you. “No way! I don’t need this! I’m confident in my body!” Oh really? Have you tried on an outfit this week, looked in the mirror, and sighed because you weren’t pleased with what you saw? Have you snacked and felt instant guilt? Have you compared yourself to someone else and felt inadequate?

Alright, let’s settle in. This will only take a minute.

It might feel a bit silly or awkward, but I believe it’s essential. Remember, these bodies we often criticize? They have created life. Beneath any imperfections lies the story of a miracle—your child.

Those stretch marks? They are a testament to your journey of motherhood. A map indicating the growth of a little one. Let’s not roll our eyes at that.

If you glance in the mirror and feel disappointment, it’s time to stop. We need to break the cycle of self-hate and embrace our bodies for what they truly are: incredible miracles. Love yourself as you are. This doesn’t mean you can’t strive for change; it just means that the body you currently have deserves love and appreciation.

So, are you ready? Let’s show some love to our amazing, evolving mom bods.

1. Place your hands on your hips. Now shake them. Dance! Enjoy your body in this moment. Thank those hips for their role in motherhood, for making childbirth possible. Say it: “Thank you, curvy hips!”
2. Examine your stretch marks. Touch them and appreciate them. Each line signifies a moment of growth. They made you a mother. Let’s say it together: “Thank you, stretchy skin.”
3. Embrace your belly. Wrap your arms around it and love it for what it represents. Remember the nine months of anticipation, the kicks, and the joy. Your belly was once a safe home for your child. Say it: “Thank you, soft belly.”
4. Now, look at your child. Your body achieved that. Celebrate the miracle of life that your incredible body brought forth.

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 away from the mirror. Because, my friend…

You are beautiful. You are strong. You are a mother. And no mirror can ever truly reflect your worth.

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Summary

In a world where self-criticism is rampant, it’s vital for mothers to embrace self-love. By acknowledging the beauty of our bodies and celebrating the journeys we’ve undertaken, we can shift our perspective from self-loathing to appreciation. Remember, our bodies are capable of incredible things, and they deserve to be cherished.