Every morning, I find myself stepping onto the scale, a ritual I can’t quite justify. I gauge my victories and setbacks based on that number, even though I know deep down it’s an unhealthy habit. Since becoming a parent, my mind has been filled with a whirlwind of thoughts about my body, and let’s be honest—most of them aren’t very nice.
I should really start doing pushups. Or maybe sit-ups.
I shouldn’t have devoured the rest of my child’s grilled cheese or every single one of her fries.
That second (or was it the third?) glass of wine? Totally unnecessary.
I ought to pledge to a super-fit lifestyle—starting tomorrow, of course.
Green smoothies for life? Ugh, that sounds miserable.
It’s a parade of negativity, focusing solely on the “bad” choices I’ve made, while I conveniently forget the incredible things my body accomplishes every single day. Thankfully, I’ve begun to challenge these harmful beliefs and reprogram my internal dialogue about my body.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this struggle, so let’s remind ourselves that our bodies are powerful and extraordinary. They deserve far more appreciation than what those pesky numbers on the scale suggest. Because:
- Our bodies create life.
- A kiss from our lips can heal.
- Our fingers can tame wild hair and soothe squirmy toddlers.
- We spend endless hours wiping—whether it’s counters, tears, or little behinds.
- Our arms lift heavy pots, chop veggies, and throw away leftovers we never got around to eating.
- We vacuum, scrub, and question why there’s toothpaste stuck in the oddest places.
- We splash in the tub, sing silly songs, and somehow manage to fish out the occasional floating surprise.
- We play, cuddle, and tickle our little ones, while also mastering the art of saying, “Okay, that’s enough!”
- Our bodies move even when we’re not trying to exercise, whether it’s hopping, jumping, or lifting.
- We carry our kids upstairs and pray they stay asleep just a little longer.
- Our voices convey everything from chastisement to praise, and we can’t help but dance to ‘80s music when our kids beg for more.
- We possess an uncanny ability to detect when our children are being less than honest.
- Our arms stretch wide enough to embrace all our kids at once, and we tuck them in, only to holler, “For goodness’ sake, go to sleep!”
- Our legs have a mind of their own, walking us up in the night to comfort and clean.
- We hear everything: the rhythm of their hearts, the unspoken words, and the whispers of our own doubts.
Our bodies accomplish the miraculous, the mundane, and everything in between. They’re truly amazing! I’m committed to treating my body as I would a dear friend—embracing its quirks and idiosyncrasies rather than reducing it to mere numbers and unkind thoughts.
Let’s embark on this journey together. We’ve got each other’s backs (and bodies)!
For more insights on this topic, check out this post on our blog. If you’re looking to explore more about home insemination, Make A Mom is an excellent resource. And for more information on reproductive health, the CDC provides valuable guidance.