My Lovely Lady Lumps

It is less than 4 weeks until C, N, and I board a plane for Big Island to see Grandma Honey and Papa Mike. I am beyond excited. There are few things in this world more relaxing than our visits there. Playing Scrabble, lying on the beach, reading novels (oh-- I better go pick a couple up-- any recommends?)... I know it will be different with a little one, but I'm still confident it will be great.

In preparing for this journey, I have had to research sunscreens for N and make list after list of what she will need to make her journey go as smoothly as possible. One thing that didn't appear on any of the lists but it seems will sneak along is my bathing-suit-body-image. As a feminist and a 21st Century woman, I really wish I did not care how I looked in a bathing suit. Is there anything more petty to be concerned about? I can't think of anything. Now, more than ever, though, I recognize how unhealthy my feelings toward my body are because I will never forgive myself if I pass them onto my daughter.

So to try to combat my unwelcome travel partner, here are some positive thoughts about my bod...

Starting at the top-

I love the colour of my hair. I used to use chemicals to try to improve it, but the fact is, nothing can improve on this.

I have fantastic eyebrows-- full without being bushy and enough to shape beautifully.

My eyes, though myopic, have enabled me to see some pretty incredible things, not the least of which is my daughter.

My cheeks enhance my smile and help to communicate the joy in my heart.

My nose... smells... good?

My ears hear well, and look fine because of my amazing hair.

My lips-- they speak, they kiss, they smile-- what's not to love?

My chin showed up on N's face and that makes me very proud.

My collarbone and shoulders have great angles.

My breasts are bigger now than they have ever been AND provide all the nourishment my little girl needs. Pretty cool.

My belly stretched to carry life and then returned to its pre-stretched state without complaint or effort.

My hips and butt are ample and in some cultures (as well as in my husband's eyes), that is desirable.

My legs carry me everywhere I need to go without complaint and my right one declares my bff status with my sister from another mister JMR.

My feet have endured so much pain over the years-- toe after broken toe-- but still keep me firmly planted on this earth.

And let's face it, while my body image issues should not affect my feelings of self-worth, I haven't taken the time to care for myself properly since N was born. So with that, I will take my negative vibes and turn them into motivation to get strong and healthy (scale be damned).