Recently, I went shopping with my dear friend, Sarah, who has a talent for finding incredible deals at T.J. Maxx. Shopping with her is always a delight because she is stunning—tall, slender, and with fantastic hair. She resembles a fashion model, effortlessly pulling off any outfit she tries on. A maxi dress? Gorgeous. A cute romper? Absolutely perfect. Honestly, I believe she could wear a potato sack and still look like a princess.
On this particular day, fortune smiled upon us both. Just twenty minutes into our shopping spree, we found ourselves twirling in front of the dressing room mirrors, wearing identical floral dresses. What are the chances of two distinct women discovering the same dress and both leaving with huge smiles? It felt like magic.
We high-fived at checkout, overjoyed with our $20 finds, and ready for a party that evening. “We’re going to look amazing tonight!” I joked. “Double the hotness!” she replied.
But a few hours later, I received a text that threw me off guard: “Ugh. Why did I buy this dress again?” To me, it was clear: she looked phenomenal in it. “Because it accentuated your waist, your legs were fabulous, and the print was stunning! Plus, it was only $20!” I replied. Her response? A sad emoji.
That evening, she didn’t show up in her floral dress. Instead, she spent twenty minutes in front of the mirror convincing herself she didn’t look good. I was floored. How could someone so striking perceive herself as anything but beautiful? And honestly, I’ve been guilty of the same self-criticism, too.
Let’s Talk About Self-Love
Ladies, can we talk? It’s astonishing how many of us engage in negative self-talk regarding our bodies. Words like “fat,” “jiggly,” “cow,” or “gross” slip from our lips too easily. It’s time for a change. If we truly harbor such disdain for our bodies, it’s time for a little exercise…in self-love.
So, take a moment to join me in this exercise. “No way! I don’t need this! I’m confident!” you might think. But let me ask you: have you looked in the mirror this week and frowned at your reflection? Felt guilty after a snack? Compared yourself to someone else and felt inadequate? If so, stick with me; this will only take a minute.
It might feel odd, but I believe it’s essential. Because those bodies we often criticize? They’ve created life. Beneath your scars lies a miracle. Your baby. Those stretch marks? They tell the story of your baby’s growth—a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.
So, if you look in the mirror and feel disappointment, stop. Right now. We need to break the cycle of self-loathing and appreciate our bodies for what they truly are: miraculous. Love yourself as you are now; it doesn’t mean you can’t grow or evolve, but it’s crucial to love the body you have at this moment.
Let’s Celebrate Our Bodies
Now, let’s take a second to shower some well-deserved love on our incredible mom bods. Ready? Let’s go.
- Hands on Hips: Place your hands on your hips and shimmy! These curves are yours, and right now, it’s time to enjoy them. Dance a little! Your hips, though perhaps not fitting into your “skinny” jeans anymore, made you a mother. Give them a shout-out: “Thank you, curvy hips!”
- Stretch Marks: Take a moment to examine those marks. Run your fingers over the lines that tell a story of growth. Each mark represents a moment of change, a time when you housed a tiny human. Celebrate those lines! Say it: “Thank you, stretchy skin.”
- Mama Belly: Wrap your arms around your belly. Love it. Remember the nine months of nurturing and warmth it provided to your child. The little kicks, the late-night cravings—this belly was once a home. Acknowledge it with gratitude: “Thank you, soft belly.”
- Look at Your Child: You brought life into this world. Your body accomplished that. Give yourself a pat on the back for your incredible strength. Your body made space for a new life. Repeat after me: “HOORAY FOR SPACE! HOORAY FOR LIFE! HOORAY FOR MY AMAZING BODY!”
And now, do me a favor: focus on your children and stop scrutinizing that mirror. You are radiant, strong, and a remarkable mother. No mirror can ever truly reflect your beauty or worth.
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Summary
This article encourages women to embrace self-love and appreciate their bodies for the miraculous things they have accomplished, particularly in motherhood. By engaging in a self-love exercise that focuses on gratitude for our bodies, we can combat negative self-talk and foster a healthier body image.