Would onlookers notice the stretch marks tracing their way across my thighs? Those distinct white lines, both small and large, tell the story of my body’s transformation over time—from the muscles of a high school athlete to those of someone who has embraced a more moderate workout routine.
What about the cellulite that settles in the absence of a thigh gap, peeking out just at the edge of my bikini? Would they see my not-so-perfectly toned stomach, with a hint of upper abs paired with a C-section scar and muscle repair? Would they judge the physique of a mother who brought new life into the world through surgery?
Then there’s my skin—burnt, hardly tanned, and dotted with freckles from sun exposure in months. Would acquaintances offer unsolicited advice on sunblock in the comments, garnering likes from mutual friends?
What would they think of my tattoos—seven in total? Some might see them as marks of poor judgment, questioning my values as a mother.
But would they catch a glimpse of the self-conscious woman I sometimes see in the mirror? The one who once ran six-minute miles and breezed through hundreds of crunches? Or would they recognize the fierce mama bear, ready to defend her little ones? Would they see a woman who embraces every inch of her skin, including the tattoos, stretch marks, and scars?
What would my friends truly notice?
Today, I donned a bikini for a day at the beach and shared a snapshot on social media. No one remarked on the stretch marks or the cellulite. The tattoos and sunburn went unnoticed. Instead, what captured their attention were the radiant smiles of my children, the joy reflected in our family moments, and the fun we shared under the Florida sun. And that fills me with pride.
I am proud of the family I’ve built and, more significantly, of my body. It has endured nearly 30 years of sports, challenges, and life’s ups and downs. It has recovered from childbirth and surgeries, sleepless nights, and the antics of toddlers. While I may not be a tiger, I have certainly earned every stripe and stretch mark along the way. Nothing is more beautiful than that.
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In summary, embracing my body’s journey—its marks, scars, and transformations—has become a source of pride and strength.
Keyphrase: body positivity and motherhood
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