Greetings, 18-Year-Old Me,
I encountered a young woman at the gym today who bore a striking resemblance to you. She entered the class with an air of confidence, accompanied by her mother, surveying the older participants who were preparing their lightweight equipment. I observed her strong, toned legs stretching at the front, deliberately showcasing her superior fitness compared to the rest of us. It was clear she thought herself far ahead of the game, opting for the heaviest dumbbells available.
Immediately, I recognized you in her demeanor. You equate outward appearance with fitness and view fuller figures as less desirable. If you were to see me now, I can imagine you would lament over the size of our thighs, hastily covering our arms to avoid judgment. If you caught a glimpse of my reflection, you would likely abandon your meal in a rush to recommit to a strict diet.
What you don’t realize, however, is the strength that lies beneath my perceived flaws. You may not understand for many years, but I yearn to tell you that…
- My thighs, fuller and dimpled, are capable of climbing a flight of stairs while carrying a sleeping child.
- My arms, which may appear flabby, can lift a squirming toddler and multiple grocery bags with ease.
- My abdominal muscles, hidden under a layer of skin, have engaged in activities far more demanding than the limited number of sit-ups you pride yourself on.
Sure, your speed on the track is impressive, but when a child tumbles from a swing, you’ll see who reaches them first on the playground.
You can sprint without losing your breath? That’s commendable, but I am navigating a marathon of daily responsibilities and managing just fine.
My routine involves countless trips up and down stairs for forgotten items, hauling a wagon filled with children and supplies to the pool, and balancing various tasks while answering emails and juggling phone calls. Remember when Mom helped you pack for college, and Dad carried your boxes? Now, we handle our own moves because there isn’t time to wait for assistance.
When you’re managing a family, even a simple 10-pound dumbbell feels light compared to the weight of daily demands.
Many days, I accomplish all this on just five hours of sleep, often interrupted by a child’s nightmare or illness. When mothers pull all-nighters, there’s no sleeping in until noon. The physical demands of parenting are immense, but the mental resilience required is even greater.
Right now, you may navigate an obstacle course with more agility than I, but can you maneuver through a grocery store while prioritizing drop-offs at soccer practice, doctor appointments, prepping for a road trip, loading the car, and watering the garden—all while managing a conference call? Probably not, as you tend to barely make it to class three times a week, often in your pajamas.
You can race, but can you endure? Your muscles may look impressive, but true strength comes from perseverance. Mothers push through fatigue, headaches, and mental exhaustion. You may have switched majors multiple times in a semester, but I don’t have the luxury of dropping this course—ever. It’s called resilience, and it’s what remains when superficial appearances fade. Unfortunately, it will take you decades to grasp this.
So, run your race with your lean legs and flaunt your abs in that tiny bikini. Capture those moments because your time in the spotlight won’t last forever. Keep training and growing, for one day, you will have children, and you’ll discover what true strength means—both inside and out. You may wear larger clothes and carry more weight, and your skin may not be as firm as it once was, but you will ultimately find yourself in the best shape of your life.
With affection,
The Wise Older You
For more information about pregnancy and home insemination, you can check out this excellent resource on fertility services. Additionally, if you are interested in exploring self insemination options, consider visiting this informative blog post. For tools and supplies to assist you, this reputable source offers an excellent at-home insemination kit.
Summary
This letter reflects on the journey of self-acceptance, strength, and resilience in the face of societal standards of fitness and beauty. It emphasizes the unique challenges of motherhood, highlighting that true strength lies beyond physical appearance, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the best shape of one’s life.