In the past, I would often fret over the wrinkles forming around my waist, like old fabric that had lost its luster. I would cringe at the marks left by my children—those lines that appeared after my first baby and then returned after my second, seemingly permanent reminders of motherhood.
I remember tugging at the parts of my body I wished were different, desperately trying to hold them in place, longing for them to comply. Yet, as soon as I released my grip, they would stubbornly settle into the positions gravity dictated, leaving me feeling disheartened, convinced that my best years were behind me.
After my children were born, I found myself wishing others would comment on how I didn’t look like I had just given birth. I measured my worth by how quickly I could fit back into my old jeans, which had been absent from my wardrobe for nine long months.
I envied the teenage girls at the local pool, with their long limbs, sun-kissed skin, and the effortless femininity of youth. I believed my body was meant to impress others, to be a canvas for fleeting fashion trends. Some days, I felt like a mere mannequin, adorned with a smile but lacking any authenticity.
I thought life was a daily competition—a runway where I was judged on my appearance. The thought of aging terrified me; I equated losing my youthful looks with losing my beauty altogether. But that was before I discovered the true purpose of a body: it is meant for love.
Perhaps you too have been misled. Perhaps no one ever explained that being taut, slim, or conventionally attractive doesn’t equate to being lovable or feeling loved. You might have believed that a body that occupies less space is somehow superior or that the thinnest version of yourself is the healthiest.
The truth is, the only body we need is one that can wake up and love each day. Ask yourself: can yours do that? Your body is your Soul House; it holds your story, encompassing all the highs and lows, the beautiful and the painful moments that shape who you are.
Your body, regardless of its shape, is capable of love. Caring for yourself is important—nourishing your body with wholesome food, taking walks with loved ones, ensuring you get enough rest—but these actions should stem from a place of love, not from a desire to impress others. We need you here to teach us how to love in your unique, wonderful way.
Every effort we make for our bodies must begin with love because no amount of dieting or cosmetic adjustments will foster self-acceptance if love isn’t already present. Your body is, indeed, your Soul House. Can you embrace a body that houses a loving soul?
I can now appreciate my body because I cherish my story. I love the moments spent snuggling my baby to sleep, the hugs from my older child, and the comfort of my partner’s embrace. I cherish the warmth of a friend’s hug or the tiny fingers of a newborn wrapped around mine.
A body that gives and receives love deserves not just to be accepted but celebrated. So take a moment to express gratitude to your body for all it does—thank your hands for preparing meals and guiding your children safely, your eyes for seeing the world, your mouth for speaking kindness, and your ears for hearing love. Appreciate your belly for protecting what matters most and your legs for carrying you through life’s journey.
If you believe in a Higher Power, thank them for viewing your body, soul, and spirit with unwavering affection, having envisioned you just as you are long before you arrived here. When you approach yourself with such gratitude, you may find pride in your body—this vessel of love—and perhaps even declare, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
For further insights on fostering love and understanding within your journey, consider visiting this resource. Additionally, Make a Mom offers authoritative guidance on the topic, while ACOG provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
The journey to self-acceptance and body love is about recognizing the true purpose of our bodies. Rather than focusing on societal standards, we should value our bodies as vessels of love, gratitude, and life experiences. Embracing your story and showing appreciation for your body can lead to profound self-love and acceptance.