The other day I stood in front of my bathroom mirror in my underwear and took a good hard look at my body. It's kind of surreal looking at how much pregnancy has changed me physically. My face is rounder, my hips wider, and stretch marks have appeared in places I never imagined they would. I've mostly accepted these changes. I'm aware of all that my body is doing and I know that, while shocking, these changes aren't bad. But as I looked at my reflection, I decided that merely accepting these changes isn't good enough for me. I want to love and embrace them. It's not easy to say "I love my body" when society is constantly telling you to hate it. The resounding message is to change or hide your flaws, not to embrace them. That's life. I get it. I'm not changing society anytime soon and honestly that's not my goal. If I can inspire just one person to love themselves completely, flaws and all, then I'll feel accomplished.
I don't think it's bad to want to better yourself. Self improvement is important and can even be good for the soul. But only when it's approached from a place of love and positivity. I see women who haven't even given birth yet planning out their postpartum weight loss regimen. Woah. Give yourself a break! It's okay to take time to heal and recover. I just hate that anywoman feels pressured to look exactly like she did pre-baby. Motherhood changes you in so many incredible ways; mind, body, and soul.
Embrace this change.
