You May Not Recognize It, and You May Not Acknowledge It, But You Are Beautiful

self insemination kit

In a recent personal reflection, I engaged in an act I typically avoid: stepping on a scale. The motivation behind this unusual choice remains unclear, yet I found myself confronting the digital device, my bare feet resting on its neglected surface. With an inhalation, I braced for the outcome.

Upon glancing down, I was met with a number that provoked shock and dismay. It was not that the figure was particularly alarming—rather, it was the act of focusing on it at all that troubled me. In our society, we are inundated by metrics that define our worth. Beauty is often constrained to numerical values—waist sizes, clothing tags, and even financial earnings shape our perceptions. Social media further complicates this narrative, as the number of “likes” or “friends” can dictate one’s sense of belonging and self-worth.

Years ago, after grappling with an eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, I committed to rejecting these harmful standards. I resolved to embrace my authentic self. Yet, there I stood, allowing a mere number to dictate my feelings about my body—the same body that has endured significant challenges, including a full recovery from spinal surgery and the miracle of childbirth.

Instead of honoring its resilience, I found myself passing judgment. I was critiquing the very vessel that has carried me through countless achievements, including completing numerous races. Instead of celebrating my body’s capabilities, I reduced it to a number on a scale.

You may perceive me as beautiful or even enviable, but perceptions of perfection are subjective. Where you may see an ideal physique, I see imperfections and insecurities. This dichotomy illustrates a broader issue within our beauty-centric culture, one that idolizes digitally enhanced images and promotes unrealistic standards through a myriad of products and procedures aimed at attaining a youthful appearance or rapid weight loss.

While I recognize the limitations of a single blog post in altering societal views, my hope is to reach even one individual—be it a young woman or a mother—who feels inadequate due to arbitrary metrics. If you find yourself avoiding social interactions to escape the pressures of judgment or the discomfort of self-criticism, know that you are not alone.

To those who scrutinize their bodies—whether you lament your hips, your thighs, or your post-pregnancy figure—I implore you to embrace the truth: You are beautiful. This beauty is not confined to size or shape; it transcends clothing choices, makeup, and superficial attributes. It resides in authenticity, strength, and confidence. It shines through during moments when you may feel least worthy—when you’re exhausted, unkempt, or dressed in worn clothing.

Wear your experiences, your struggles, and yes, even those stains, with pride. They are testaments to your journey. You are remarkable, you are beautiful, and you are enough.

For those seeking resources on home insemination, consider exploring Make A Mom for at-home options, including a re-usable insemination kit that can assist you in your journey. Additional support can be found in the Make A Mom Facebook group and through understanding the process of at-home insemination. For a deeper understanding of pregnancy week by week, the March of Dimes offers excellent resources.

In conclusion, it is essential to remember that beauty is not confined to societal expectations or numerical assessments. Embrace your unique journey and all that makes you who you are.