Updated: May 5, 2023
Originally Published: May 5, 2023
Recently, while coming down from an energy drink high, I had a revelation. As a new mom, life has changed dramatically for me in just a few short years. I tied the knot in 2012, and before I knew it, I was already holding a positive pregnancy test. Fast forward a bit, and here I am, parenting two energetic boys who are only 15 months apart—talk about a whirlwind!
In less than three years, I transitioned from carefree summer days lounging in my bikini to wearing, gulp, mom jeans and stressing over losing those stubborn pounds in hopes of fitting back into my beloved size 6’s—ambitious, I know. One day, while mindlessly scrolling through social media, I found myself comparing my mom bod to those of my effortlessly stunning friends. It hit me—this endless comparison game is draining, and that energy drink habit isn’t doing my wallet any favors. What if I stopped curating a picture-perfect life online and shared the unfiltered truth instead?
I’ve always felt like I was in competition, whether it was in sports or my career. My basement is filled with trophies and medals from all those years of striving to be the best. But this competitive nature led to some pretty messy moments—think heated arguments during intramural games and plenty of gray hairs thanks to college football season. Let’s just say, I haven’t always been the best sport.
After having kids, my focus shifted. I found myself in a daily battle with my self-esteem. I would look in the mirror, confronted by stretch marks and the haunting question of whether my abs would ever resurface. I stared longingly at my college jeans, mourning the tacos and milkshakes I indulged in during my pregnancies. For the first time in my life, I felt like a total loser—squishy and vulnerable. My self-image took a significant hit.
I envied those supermoms who wore bikinis just weeks after giving birth. I felt a twinge of jealousy seeing their toned figures and flawless collarbones. Meanwhile, I dreaded even stepping foot in the local grocery store because who said having two babies meant I couldn’t look like a model?
In my quest for perfection, I deprived myself of food, only to binge on Oreos when hunger struck. I hit the gym with reckless abandon, convincing myself I was just trying to get fit. But deep down, I was chasing an unrealistic ideal—an old reflection I could never reclaim.
The harsh reality? During this mental struggle, I was neglecting my boys, who needed my full attention. One day, after dropping them off at the gym daycare, my oldest son, Jake, pressed his little face against the glass door, his blue eyes welling with tears. In that moment, I felt my heart shatter. Had I really become so consumed by my appearance that I overlooked the miracles that brought me to this point? Was squeezing back into my high school jeans truly more important than spending quality time with my kids? Absolutely not.
That day marked a turning point for me. I resolved to stop competing with an image and tearing myself down. I embraced the idea of imperfection and gave myself permission to indulge in a milkshake, to stop sucking in my stomach, and to ditch the Spanx. I decided that being a mom is more than enough—it’s everything.
My priorities shifted to my boys, not my appearance. I still take care of myself, but their well-being takes precedence. Trust me, I expend plenty of energy chasing after them! A little healthy competition can be motivating, but I refuse to let a swimsuit season dictate my value as a mother.
Social media can be a trap, making us feel like we need to compete to prove we can still be who we once were. But I’ll always be that competitive spirit, even if my jeans are stretchier and my dresses a few sizes larger. Ultimately, I’m beginning to realize we’re all in this together, and I hope we can all celebrate our wins.
For more insights into the journey of parenthood, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re considering home insemination options, don’t forget to visit Make A Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits. For additional support in navigating pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is a fantastic guide.
In summary, embracing the chaos of motherhood is a journey worth taking. My mom jeans no longer make me feel like a loser; instead, they symbolize my commitment to enjoying this beautiful, messy life with my boys.
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