I watched my body undergo many changes when I became a mother. First was pregnancy, where I witnessed my stomach grow to a size I didn’t think was humanly possible. I was amazed and very proud of my growing baby bump, not even blinking when a few onlookers asked if I was sure I wasn’t having twins (I was sure).
Then, my body changed again when my first son was born. I watched with gratitude as my body seemed to remember its former size, and my flat stomach returned without much effort. Everything was pretty much the same with my second pregnancy.
The change I wasn’t anticipating was the shift in how I feel about my body. I can fully appreciate my body for what it has done, what it can still do, and how resilient it is. Strong is the new skinny.
I cannot lie and say that I stopped caring about my appearance because I’ve accepted that I will always care about my appearance. But what shifted was how much more I care about how I feel.
I no longer strive for skinny. I will never go a day without eating again because I need my strength. I am careful about the foods I choose and make sure I am drinking enough water, not so I don’t gain weight, but because I want to feel my best, keep up with my two active boys, and be a good example for them.
I have an amazing trainer who has pushed me out of my comfort zone. For years, I was scared of heavy weights or looking big. I’m proudly lifting whatever she tells me to and have added heavier weights to my home gym equipment.
Feeling strong has been far more empowering than feeling skinny ever was.
And taking care of my body, showing it love rather than punishing it, has made all the difference. I never feel like I have to work out or be active.
