"We're all here at EM:ME because we're unhappy with our bodies, or our health; there are things that we are trying to change.
But today you must share one thing with everybody that you absolutely love about yourself"
Wow! This question is super heavy for me! I have to be honest with you...I am horrible about obsessing over and freaking out about my body's faults and comparing myself (my body) to the younger (college) version of myself. I played college basketball, was a runner, and weight lifter. I did aerobics about 3 times a week. I was obsessed to the point of unhealthy probably, but however out of control I liked my body...now however: I'm not over weight, I'm not gross I don't think, but I still struggle when I look at myself in the mirror. What happened? Where did my body go?
Well, these questions lead me to my answer: You know what? I might not have a body of my 19 year old self and I probably won't ever again no matter how much I excercise and diet.
My body has done things that my 19 year old body never imagined!
It has given birth to and nursed 2 beautiful babies and while these tasks have widened my hips, left (what I'm growing to believe is a permanent) pooch where my firm abs once were, and left my boobs looking like a deflated balloon I have to stop and think: Isn't this body amazing too?
I mean: Those widened hips that might not fit into my college jeans anymore are widened because they pushed out 2 kiddos!
That pooch that doesn't seem to want to go away is the result of carrying 2 babies around inside me for almost 2 years combined.
And those boobs that sag and aren't as perky as I would like for them to be have supplied nourishment for 2 babies for over a year for each child.
So yes this 29 year old body has a few battle scars, but really this body is so much more accomplished than my 19 yr old body. I love that my body is stronger than I give it credit for, and I love that I am growing to appreciate this fact. I am a work in progress, but I love that I am growing and learning!
Sorry I went on forever, but I really had to think and search for my answer. How about you? Head on over to Amber's and join us for EM:ME. It is a great way to support each other and to learn about yourself and others! Have a great day!
27 comments:
Kasey, that was absolutely beautiful!!! What a wonderful way to look at the changes our bodies go through to have our precious kids!!! Thanks soooo much, I really needed this today!
Have a wonderful day!
Great post! Reading about what your body in college vs. present time is like reading about my own life. I was obsessive in college too, athletic, etc. But now I have amazing scars from my 2 wonderful kids. Thank you for reminding me that! I never really thought of my pooch, hips, and boobs that way, but you are so right! Again, thanks for putting things in perspective!
The joy of having children. Then your body goes to the waste side. By hey you have new little ones in your house. I know I wish things on my body were the same when I was 18. Come on by on Friday for my Round Robin.
great post!
You've got me all teary! I could not agree with you more. It amazes me, every day, that my baby is growing solely because of me. Pregnancy, childbirth, and growing a baby can take its toll on a body, but I wouldn't change it for the world! :)
I like that perspective! It makes me feel a little bit better about my pooch but I'd still feel a lot better if that pooch was a little bit smaller!
Thank you for that.
I think all of us have mapped the sags, the rolls, the stretch marks, etc. but we forget HOW many of those things came to be. What a great perspective.
I will try to view my body through that lens a little bit more.
I too love your perspective. And you sound like a great mom. I wish I would have believed people when they tell me how hard parenting really can be. Its a daily struggle and you seem well grounded. Thanks for helping us to remember...
What an awesome answer. The body of a mother is pretty amazing.
I always love reading what you have to say!
sniff, sniff...I loved your post!! I've felt that way also, since I'm waaayyy older than you, for a long time.
I had to realize your body is a badge of honor!! The honor of being a mom!
Thanks for sharing it all so eloquently!! sniff, sniff...
xoxo ~Lisa
You said "boobs". He he he.
It would be nice if that is how the world saw it. I guess some of the world does see it they.
Anyway, I am also grateful for the things my body has been able to do.
Great attitude. Nice post. Those babes were so worth it too :) You look great by the way.
What you wrote is beautiful and so true! Always keep that same outlook :)
Beautiful post Kasey and so true. A great perspective all mother's should focus on more!
A-MEN sister!! That was perfectly written and I could not agree more. GREAT perspective!
And I think you look awesome.
What a beautiful sentiment. I'm not there yet but you're completely right about all of which you wrote. Our bodies are amazing. Thanks for the reminder.
Much love from NJ,
Sue
xoxo
This is a super perspective on this. Good for you mom! You are right, the body does do amazing things!!
Your answer is fantastic! I need to remind myself of that sometimes! This body has some battle scars, but they were well worth it! Have a great week and thanks for your post! It really is true!
So true! It is amazing what our bodies have done and continue to do for us. Good attitude!
XOXO
Jen
Great post Kasey! It is important for women to realize the amazing things our bodies can do throughout all the stages of our lives.
The 'pooch' is a hard one for me to embrace.:)
Now that is a wonderful post and all women should read it.
I deal with the same problem of comparing my body with my younger self. But you are so correct I am much more proud of this body at age 28. As one of our pastor's wife would say, I love my wider hips because they are from my son and they always remind me of the blessing of my children. Thanks again for an eye opening post.
Hope you have a wonderful Thursday and sorry I haven't been around much this week, we have just had a super busy week!
What a great attitude you have. Is it too much to ask for a body that can give everything to your kids and still look like I did when I was 20? That's my problem, I want it all.
i have an award for you at my blog
I know I already commented, but I just came by to wish you a very happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day! What a great post! I'd much rather have the privilege of being a Mom than have that college body back!
Our babies are so worth it, aren't they! I left an award for you on my blog. Pick it up and pass it on.
Right on!
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