As someone who spent a good portion of my life analyzing what I would change about myself if I had the opportunity, I am very sensitive to anything that shows people loving themselves as they are. I used to look in the mirror and try to decide what ONE thing about me I would change but I could never narrow it down that far. I wanted a smaller chin, bigger lips, bigger eyes, a shorter neck, perkier breasts (this was as a teen!), flatter stomach, no cellulite (again, as a teen) and so on. I’m thankful for the doctor’s appointment when I was told that I get keloid scars – “so don’t ever get plastic surgery” – because that saved me from this crazy making activity.
That didn’t stop me feeling inferior, unwanted and ugly; that took more work. I’ve talked about a lot of ways that this slowly melted away in the past so feel free to go through the blog for inspiration.
Due to my struggles, I admire anyone who is confident in themselves and anything that gives the message of self acceptance.
I just finished watching an old episode of GLEE on Netflix. Called “Born This Way” the message was acceptance. When all the kids danced in their shirts listing what they hated about themselves, of course I got teary, even though I’ve seen it before.
Recently, I saw a post about a project called FOURTH TRIMESTER. It is a photography project taking pics of new moms. Mostly nude. If there’s any time in a woman’s life where she feels self conscious, it’s after having a child. The body has been stretched and changed in often unexpected ways, and here are these amazing women sharing these changes with others.
And of course they’re BEAUTIFUL!!
Please take a look at these inspiring women and their body love.
I’d like to take this opportunity to give you ONE tip on how to get closer to body love yourself:
LOVE WHAT WORKS! Your body works hard for you. When looking in the mirror, instead of looking for what you don’t like, look for how your body serves you.
- It digests your food and gives you nutrition.
- It helps you get from point a to point b.
- It communicates verbally and non-verbally.
- It inhales life giving oxygen.
- It helps you express your emotions – and release them.
- It helps you think and reason.
- It is capable of giving and receiving love.
And so much more!
Your body works hard for you. It’s an incredible piece of engineering. Love it! Take care of it! Give yourself a break.
Hugs,
Christie Mawer – The Bad Kitty
Christie@TheBadKitty.com