I once found myself obsessing over the wrinkles that seemed to multiply around my midsection, like old fabric showing its wear. The marks I received from carrying one baby, then two, were reminders of a journey that left me frustrated. These lines faded and returned, leaving me feeling defeated.
I often tugged at parts of my body I deemed undesirable, wishing they would conform to my expectations. Yet, as soon as I relaxed, they would resume their natural position, much to my dismay. I felt like the best days of my body were behind me.
After the births of my children, I longed for validation—hoping someone would tell me that I didn’t appear to have just given birth. I measured my worth by how quickly I could fit back into my old jeans, longing for the days when zippers zipped and buttons fastened easily.
I envied the young girls at the local pool, with their long limbs, sun-kissed skin, and youthful radiance. I watched them with a sense of longing, believing that my worth was tied to how I looked in comparison to others.
Back then, I viewed my body merely as a vessel for the latest trends, a living mannequin draped in clothes that society deemed beautiful. I saw it as a daily competition, a runway where every outfit was scrutinized. The thought of aging, of losing my youthful beauty to gravity, terrified me. I believed that losing my youthful looks equated to losing all semblance of beauty.
But that was before I discovered the true purpose of a body: it is meant to be loved.
Perhaps no one ever explained to you that being taut and skinny doesn’t equate to being lovable, nor does it guarantee that you will feel loved. Many of us grow up thinking our bodies exist to make others envious or to fit into increasingly smaller spaces. We often assume that bodies that take up less room are superior.
What I learned is that the leanest version of ourselves isn’t necessarily our healthiest. The only body we truly need is the one that can wake up today, ready to love. Can yours do that?
Your body is your Soul-House; it tells your story. It encompasses all the highs and lows, the beautiful and the difficult moments of your life. Every experience is etched into the very fabric of your being.
Your body is deserving of love, and regardless of its shape, you are capable of giving it. Yes, it’s essential to care for yourself—nourishing your body and soul with healthy food, taking long walks with loved ones, getting adequate rest, and doing what’s necessary to stay healthy. However, this care should not be about impressing anyone with your shape. We need you here to show us how to love in the unique, beautiful way that only you can.
All the good we do for our bodies starts with love. No amount of dieting, bingeing, or altering can foster self-love if we don’t already possess it. Your body is your Soul House, and that’s all there is to it. Can you love a body that carries a soul capable of love?
I can now appreciate my body because I cherish my story. I adore the moments of snuggling my baby to sleep, embracing my older son, or falling into my husband’s arms. I treasure the hugs from friends and the feeling of a newborn gripping my fingers. A body that gives and receives so much love deserves gratitude, not mere tolerance.
Take a moment to thank your body for all it does for you. Appreciate your hands for preparing meals and guiding your child across the street. Acknowledge your eyes for seeing the beauty in the world and the loved ones around you. Thank your mouth for sharing kindness and your ears for receiving it. Honor your belly for protecting your vital organs and your legs for carrying you through life’s journey.
And if you believe in a Higher Power, express your gratitude for being created with love, for your body, soul, and spirit are cherished with an everlasting affection. You were envisioned just as you are, long before you arrived.
When you begin to view yourself through this lens of gratitude, you may find pride in the body you inhabit—a body that loves—and maybe then you’ll think, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination or explore the journey of parenthood with our article on DIY insemination kits. If you’re interested in further discussions about body positivity and self-love, visit Modern Family Blog.