
The older I get, the more I have fallen in love with my body. The irony in that is that my body looks nothing like it did before having children. In my late teens and early 20s, I had a flat stomach and smooth skin. My breasts were perky, and my thighs didn’t rub together when I walked. Now I have stretch marks and areas of stubborn fat. My breasts sag, and when I wear shorts, I have to take extra precautions to prevent my inner thighs from chaffing. Yet, I find myself embracing my body more than ever. I enjoy looking at myself in the mirror naked. The changes my body has made tell my story, and I have learned to appreciate those changes.
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I spent my 20s adjusting to motherhood, overcoming trauma, and struggling to graduate college while working. I endured domestic violence, toxic relationships, and grief after the loss of my best friend. Trauma can not only be detrimental to one’s mental state, but it can also affect one’s physical state. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, changes to one’s menstrual cycle, and can cause fluctuations in weight. During those years, I gave birth to 3 beautiful children and breastfed each of them. Once I realized how much trauma a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy and while giving birth, I gave myself more grace. I learned that a woman’s body doesn’t go back to its original state until two to three years after giving birth. I acknowledge that although my body has endured so much, it has done amazing things. This acknowledgment provides space for me to positively affirm myself and my body.
Although I positively affirm myself and my body, I have a partner who is in love with my body. My husband reminds me how beautiful I am and how “I still got it” even on days when I am feeling insecure. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage you and provide positive reinforcement, will also change the way you think about yourself.
Tips for Postpartum Mamas to Remember While Positively Affirming Their Bodies:
- Often remind yourself of all the amazing things your body has done. Remembering the trauma your body has endured and overcome, will allow you to offer yourself grace.
- Compliment yourself and recite positive affirmations as you look at your body in the mirror. Sometimes a verbal reminder is all we need to put ourselves in a better mood and to think more positively. A simple, “I look good!” will shift your energy.
- Acknowledge that you are in control of your body. Be kind to yourself and understand that bearing a child will change your body. But also remember that you are in control, and you have the power to shape your body to your liking.
- Embrace the journey your body takes. Our bodies are able to do great things. As our bodies go through changes, embrace the change and accept that the changes are for the greater good.
- Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Allowing positive people in your space will give you that extra push when you’re feeling down about yourself.
Affirmations That I Tell Myself Daily in the Mirror (and You Should, Too!)
- You look great, and your body has done amazing things!
- You look amazing dancing naked.
- My body is flexible, powerful, and it can do anything I want it to do.
- My body attracts positivity.
Let’s keep the positivity going in the comments mamas — tell us things that you affirm over yourself as well!
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