Menu
Parenting
Appreciating My Body Beyond the Scale’s Verdict by Lila Henderson
Updated: November 2, 2016
Originally Published: November 2, 2016
Every morning, I find myself stepping onto the scale, a little ritual I can’t quite explain. It’s as if the numbers hold the power to define my triumphs and failures from the day prior. I know deep down that this isn’t the healthiest habit, yet my mind is often a whirlwind of harsh judgments about my body after having kids, and let me tell you, they aren’t always flattering.
Thoughts race through my head:
- I should really start doing push-ups or sit-ups.
- Why did I devour her leftover grilled cheese and every one of her french fries?
- That second (or third) glass of wine? A big mistake.
- Tomorrow, I’ll totally commit to being super fit.
- Green smoothies for life? Oh God, is that my future?
In the midst of all these negative reflections about my dietary choices, I often forget to appreciate all the amazing things my body accomplishes each day. It’s capable of so much, yet I reduce it to mere numbers. Thankfully, I’ve begun to challenge these damaging thoughts and rewire my self-talk regarding my body.
I know I’m not alone in this struggle, so here’s a reminder for all of us: our bodies are incredible, resilient, and deserving of so much more than the numbers on that pesky scale. Because consider this:
- Our bodies can create life.
- A simple kiss from our lips can heal.
- Our fingers can tame even the wildest of hair and wrestle with tiny claws.
- We spend countless hours wiping—everywhere, from counters to little behinds.
- Our arms lift heavy pots and pans, chopping and sautéing, only to toss it all into the trash.
- We scrub floors and vacuum up messes, wondering why there’s dried toothpaste on the back of the toilet.
- We splash and sing in the bath while handling unexpected surprises floating in the tub.
- Our bodies are built for cuddles, tickles, and the occasional wrestling match—and then we say, “Okay, that’s enough!”
- Our limbs move, even when we aren’t formally exercising, jumping, running, and lifting without even trying.
- Our eyes witness countless failed attempts at cartwheels and handstands.
- Our legs carry us upstairs, often with a sleeping child in our arms, praying they’ll stay asleep just a bit longer.
- We make late-night runs for children’s ibuprofen when fevers spike.
- Our voices do it all—chastising, praising, asking, whispering, and sometimes yelling.
- Our hips shake to ’80s music, and our kids beg for more, laughing and having the time of their lives.
- We develop an uncanny ability to sense when our kids are fibbing.
- Our arms stretch wide enough to give all of our kids a group hug.
- We tuck them in, again and again, and then shout, “For crying out loud, go to sleep!”
- Our legs may even wander in the night, comforting, cleaning, and checking on little ones.
- Our ears catch every heartbeat and sniffle, hearing what’s unsaid and fighting our own insecurities.
Our bodies perform the miraculous, the mundane, and the impossible every single day. They are nothing short of amazing. I’m determined to start treating my body as I would a dear friend—embracing its quirks and idiosyncrasies instead of reducing it to mere numbers and self-critical thoughts.
Let’s do this together. We’re in it side by side. If I can make this change, so can you.
For those interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this post on sample page—a helpful resource. Also, if you’re looking for authoritative information, check out this site on cryobaby for home insemination kits. Lastly, if you need support, Drugs.com offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of valuing our bodies for their capabilities rather than focusing solely on the numbers we see on the scale. It highlights the various incredible functions our bodies perform daily, especially after having children, and encourages a shift in mindset from negativity to appreciation. Together, we can foster a positive relationship with our bodies.