Body Image

Even though I'm WAY overdue for pictures and an update on Avery, I wanted to first share something that I read this week and have thought about a lot since then. I read an article from the Power of Moms called "Mom's Body Image" that has had an impact on the way I see myself and feel about myself. Click HERE to read it. Then at the bottom of the article there is a link to "Mom's Body Image, Part 2", the follow-up article. I also listened to a podcast that goes along with it, with the woman who started Beauty Redefined. Click HERE to listen to it.

These articles have helped me recognize things that I never have before, and have inspired me to make some changes in my life. I was one who at first thought, "I don't really have a problem with my body image", but then started to get real with myself and recognized some very unhealthy thoughts and words I'd think and say about my own body! They also discuss how important it is for mothers to teach their children to value and love their bodies (for the right reasons, of course).

When I started paying attention, I realized that I needed to adjust my thinking. I'm  embarrassed to say it, but I could list so many criticisms I am quick to produce every time I look in the mirror or get in the shower, etc. (skin, belly fat, teeth, stretch marks, nose, moles, bum, legs, etc). After recognizing this bad habit, I wondered how I'd feel when I'm older, have had more kids and have even more body "issues" if I keep this up. Since I heard Dawn's suggestion on the podcast, I also made the decision to stop saying negative things about my body - even with small things. It has been hard, but in just a few days I can feel the difference! I feel less obsessed with my flaws, and more focused on more important things. I am shifting my focus, and it feels so good. And like April said, it's empowering! 

These women are not suggesting we become complacent about our bodies-- we still take good care of them by exercising, eating healthy foods and getting enough rest. They challenge us to learn to feel love and appreciation for our bodies-- for what it can do, what it can create, and how it is the means for us to live a beautiful life. 

The first step for me was to acknowledge my feelings. I decided to write in my journal a list of everything about my body that I don't like. Then I thought about why I don't like each of those things (is it because the women in the media don't seem to have those issues, or because I'm worried the mom next door might judge me?). Then I thought about whether I would realistically be able to resolve or improve each of those "issues" or not. Then for the issues I can't change, or at least not to be the way I'd like it to be, I decided I'll work on accepting that it is the way it's going to be. The last step I've been working on is being more mentally and verbally grateful for the wonderful, amazing body I have. I took some of the advice the women gave and said some things to my body out loud this week, such as "thank you back!" as I bent over to pick up Avery without feeling pain. Or "thank you belly, for holding my sweet baby until she was born!" It felt a little silly, but made me happy! 

I haven't finished these steps I listed above, and I know it will be hard to TRULY change-- not just have positive thoughts for this week. I have begun what I know might be a long road to a completely healthy view of my body, but I'm glad to have started it and so grateful for the deliberate mothers out there who have inspired me! I love my body and I'm SO thankful to my Heavenly Father for the amazing gift my body is to me.