Dear Emily,
It is my wish that I never have to share this letter with you. My hope is to instill in you the importance of embracing who you are before any insecurities begin to stack up like bricks. I want you to always see the beauty in everything and everyone, especially yourself.
I hope that no boy ever makes you feel the urge to shed 20 pounds, and that no salesperson convinces you that cosmetics are necessary to define your beauty. I never want to hear you say, “I’m too fat” or “I’m too ugly.” I hope that self-criticism does not turn into a daily routine for you.
This is your 28-year-old mama speaking to you. Just seven months have passed since your arrival, and I’m navigating my own journey of accepting my post-baby body. Intellectually, I understand that I still look okay. I remind myself that my body is beautiful because it nourished you for nine months and continues to do so. Yet, each time I glance in the mirror, that confidence falters, and on particularly tough days, it feels shattered.
I’ve always struggled with insecurity about my appearance, but before becoming pregnant, I had easy fixes. I could crash diet or visit a salon whenever I felt uninspired. But pregnancy has a way of stripping away those comfort layers. No outfit can disguise a weight gain of 15 (or is it 20? 25?) pounds, and no cream can make angry-red stretch marks disappear.
Honestly, I’m weary of my own insecurities. It’s draining to compare myself to others—there’s always someone who seems prettier, younger, or just better. There’s always a mom who looks effortlessly stunning. I’m concerned that you’ll notice how I react when I step on the scale or how I rummage through countless outfits just to find something that conceals my stomach. How can I impart lessons about beauty when I grapple with self-acceptance?
In this vulnerable state, I reflect on what I truly want to convey to you regarding beauty and body image. As your mother, this is one of my most significant challenges in raising you, my precious daughter.
You have no idea how much your unwavering admiration helps me combat my own negative thoughts. You look at me as if I am the most remarkable person in the world. I will use this to build a healthier self-image, so when you approach me with questions about weight, beauty, flaws, and insecurities, I can respond with sincerity and love.
My deepest wish for you is to embrace life fully—never letting insecurities hold you back from enjoying moments, no matter how you feel about your appearance. I encourage you to explore sports, martial arts, or dancing. Build sandcastles in your swimsuit, savor the delicious fried chicken your father prepares, and don’t fret over a fluctuating scale. Accept compliments graciously and internalize them. These are the ideals I’m striving for today, and learning them is the most effective way to guide you.
If I ever need to share this letter with you, I hope it serves to help you understand that not all women feel comfortable in their skin. My hope is that you will be confident enough to uplift other women. Always strive to see the beauty in those around you instead of competing—support them as you are gradually lifting me.
Thank you, my love, for being my greatest inspiration.
With all my love,
Mommy
Additional Resources
For further guidance on navigating these topics, consider exploring additional resources like this one about artificial insemination or this insightful article on essential oils during pregnancy. For a deeper understanding of the process, you can also refer to this Wikipedia page on artificial insemination.
Summary
In a heartfelt letter to her daughter, Emily, a mother expresses her hopes for her child’s self-acceptance and confidence, sharing her own struggles with body image and insecurities after giving birth. She emphasizes the importance of embracing life fully and supporting other women, all while navigating her path toward self-love and acceptance.