I’ve been having a rough couple of days with my post baby body. Sometimes I could care less that I have stretch marks and extra skin, and sometimes it actually begins to affect my self-worth. I’ve yet to experience another attribute that allows me to devalue myself, quite like weight and size.
Why does the number on a scale or a tag actually change how we perceive ourselves? I don’t know why so much of our sense of self is tied into our body size, but instead of trying to focus on changing my body, I spend time strengthening my relationship with it and improving my body image.
I’m the only one who can allow myself to hate my body. There are definitely outside influences that want to tell you what is wrong with your body, but it is your choice to listen. I make an active effort to ignore influences that make me feel poorly about myself or make me feel inadequate. I choose to engage with people and experiences that build up my confidence and help me work towards finding balance and happiness.
And for my body, this involves being able to move the way I want to move. So when I’m making goals for my body, this will often involve having the stamina to chase after my kids or engage in more challenging yoga poses. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever think I’m “skinny” enough, so I’ve refocused on feeling strong, nourished, and well-rested.
This is how I usually feel, but I’ve really struggled the last few days. I find that when I’m feeling down about other things in my life or stressed out, my poor body image seems to creep in and just make me feel like a complete and utter failure. Which is just ridiculous. But that is an accurate description of how I feel sometimes, and I doubt I’m alone.
So please love yourself through these moments. They are a reflection of your growth and not your failure. I can’t believe I used to feel poorly about my body and myself most of the time. These moments continue to become less frequent, and each time I gain more awareness of my relationship with my body.
I’m still working on loving this mom bod, and I hope you are able to love yours too ❤!
Jacqueline Pinchuk 