Dear Stomach,
It seems we’ve been at odds lately. I’ve neglected you, and at times, I’ve confined you in ways that were less than comfortable. I know it’s been a struggle, especially since I used to keep you tightly controlled—remember those days of Spanx? And now, I find myself letting go, perhaps too much.
You might think this is just a ruse before I subject you to another grueling Pilates session with an instructor who seems to believe that fashion involves neon leotards and toe socks. But I assure you, this is not a façade.
This is about embracing who you are—and who I am. We are, after all, inherently soft. Can we find comfort in that softness together?
I acknowledge that things were different before my children came into my life. You remember those carefree hours at the gym, the excitement of crunches, and the thrill of planks? Those days felt effortless, didn’t they? We were satisfied with the simplest of achievements, even sharing a six-pack—of something delightful, not just abs! We didn’t need to chase after unattainable ideals; perhaps we’ve lost sight of that.
This letter is my way of reconciling our relationship. If our recent difficulties are a result of my complacency, I’m willing to take responsibility. However, it’s essential to adjust your expectations too. Constantly longing for that daring outfit in my closet—the one that’s best suited for a late-night outing with cocktails in hand—isn’t fair to either of us. Your fixation on those snug Rag & Bone jeans only makes it harder for me to breathe with every attempt to button them.
So, here we are, faced with many issues to address—like the stack of old fitness magazines I haven’t touched since becoming a mother. I’ve been too busy navigating the challenges of parenthood to dedicate time to comparing myself to models who seem to have mastered perfection on glossy pages.
But you’ve only ever seen me as that flat, idealized version. I’m a multi-dimensional being, dear stomach! And if our journey continues down this path, there’s likely to be more of me to embrace.
This is, without a doubt, a love letter to you. I want to celebrate every aspect of who you are—your little dimples, the way you’ve adapted to nourish me, and even those charming side handles that seem to have appeared out of nowhere. I might weigh the same, yet here you are, inviting someone to take hold of life with both hands. I choose to embrace you—us, in our entirety.
Let’s grow old together, not just in age but in acceptance of who we are. If we allow ourselves to truly let go, we can find happiness in our core.
Yours (literally),
Jamie
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For more on this topic, you can also explore our other blog post here.
Summary
This heartfelt letter addresses the evolving relationship between a mother and her body, particularly her stomach, after experiencing the changes brought about by motherhood. Through humor and honesty, it highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the journey of adapting to new realities.