Yes, my knee jerk reaction is to point out all the “flaws”…those wrinkles around the eyes, the roundness of my face, the waddle neck, the upper arms that have no real definition, the soft belly, and oh god look at those legs…but I stop myself and smile instead…
How many beautiful sunsets have those eyes witnessed, and how much laughter there has been, to form those gentle lines around them? How many loving embraces have my arms shared in, or offered comfort to others? Those arms carried my children until they could learn to walk on their own. And that face and neck …ghosts of kisses past still lingering there. My belly once so round and full, as it grew and nurtured three beautiful, amazing human beings. Those curvy legs have supported me through 44 years of adventures…carried me up and down mountains, have walked thousands of miles...
and danced at my wedding.
This body has always loved me…without judgment or scorn, and I can’t say I have always done the same. It has taken me over 40 years to finally appreciate the care my body has shown me every single day since I took my first breath; the work that goes on behind the scenes; and how it has made the very best with what I have given it. This has not always been an equal partnership. In the past I have been very selfish, often judgmental, nutritionally and physically abusive and quite critical…and yet my patient body still loves me…and beats my heart…
I have come a long way in my personal growth in the past few years and I finally get it.
I am GRATEFUL.
So yes, as hard as it is to break the habit, I DO stop myself from pointing out those “flaws”, and I take a moment to appreciate how far I have come, how privileged I truly am, and the miracles that await me.
Live Well,
Jen
How many beautiful sunsets have those eyes witnessed, and how much laughter there has been, to form those gentle lines around them? How many loving embraces have my arms shared in, or offered comfort to others? Those arms carried my children until they could learn to walk on their own. And that face and neck …ghosts of kisses past still lingering there. My belly once so round and full, as it grew and nurtured three beautiful, amazing human beings. Those curvy legs have supported me through 44 years of adventures…carried me up and down mountains, have walked thousands of miles...
and danced at my wedding.
This body has always loved me…without judgment or scorn, and I can’t say I have always done the same. It has taken me over 40 years to finally appreciate the care my body has shown me every single day since I took my first breath; the work that goes on behind the scenes; and how it has made the very best with what I have given it. This has not always been an equal partnership. In the past I have been very selfish, often judgmental, nutritionally and physically abusive and quite critical…and yet my patient body still loves me…and beats my heart…
I have come a long way in my personal growth in the past few years and I finally get it.
I am GRATEFUL.
So yes, as hard as it is to break the habit, I DO stop myself from pointing out those “flaws”, and I take a moment to appreciate how far I have come, how privileged I truly am, and the miracles that await me.
Live Well,
Jen
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