I’ll be the first to admit that before giving birth to Hudson, I was pretty focused on my body looking a certain way. I worked out around 5 days a week, and didn’t have a huge appreciation for self-love, self-care or even what my body was capable of. How could I? I didn’t even know the HALF of the incredible power the female body possesses, and even during pregnancy my eyes weren’t 100% opened to it. Sure, I saw my body changing a ton (and was scared, tbh) but it wasn’t until after birth, and after I held this human that I GREW inside of me that it really hit me. and it still didn’t REALLY hit me until I saw my tiny baby change into a fully talking, walking, functioning human. I realized that I should be grateful for the experience to grow another human, and instead of criticizing my body, I should take better care of it.
Now don’t get me wrong, there’s still days where I feel let down at poor eating choices, not being able to get my sweat on enough, etc. but it’s more focused on how I feel and less on how I look. I realize how important things like sleep, and self-care are, and I’ve learned to love my stretch marks on my belly, my wonky out of shape belly button, my A-cup boobs and all of the funny things that come with having a baby. I was actually sad when that line that went from my belly button down disappeared, because it was a reminder of growing Hudson, and I look at all of my marks as little mementos. I’ve created a little routine where Hudson and I moisturize together (you may have seen it in my vlog, haha!) and we love using Bio-Oil on my stomach. I rub it on my stretch marks, and love how the routine bonds Hudson and I. Instead of feeling shame about my marks, Hudson and I celebrate them, and the fact that they brought him here!
It feels nice to let go of all of the standards we’re taught, and to think instead that I’m good enough just the way that I am. What are some ways you celebrate your body? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you to Bio-Oil for sponsoring this post, as always all opinions are my own!