All Bodies Are Beautiful

So, as many of you know, I was hospitalized for an extended period of time.  I’m really not at a point when I can discuss what happened to me.  I will say that my body has changed completely.    

You know how people say they look at photos of themselves when they were young and didn’t realize how good they looked.  They say at the time I thought I was too heavy, I wasn’t cute enough, or my hair was too short,  or whatever.  Yet, the photo stands as a reminder that they actually looked quite good.  And all that crazy was just crazy.  

Seven months ago, I remember thinking I was a little heavier than I like to be. I needed to lose a few pounds.  I recall being a little upset with my hair, it was too frizzy. I’m very aware of how much I would love to have that body back.  

Two friends were visiting me in my apartment. I had complimented one of them on how they were looking.  She said, yeah, but I wish I didn’t have this and this isn’t good enough, pointing to places she wished were different. And the second one chimed in, I have too much of this and too much of that.  I said, you have functioning bodies, you are healthy and you should be happy with what you have.  

It’s a particular issue for women to feel inadequate about their bodies, but I think men are catching up to us.  And discontent with our bodies is staring earlier and earlier. The 9 year-old girls I used to coach would complain about their bodies.  All bodies are beautiful.

I am grateful for what I can do right now.  I can walk, albeit with a brace and a cane.  It is a slow recovery process.  So much longer than I was expecting.  Yet I am resolved, however long it takes me, is how long it will be.  

Let’s be content with ourselves as we are right now in this moment. How about if we appreciate our bodies and all the wonderful things it can do.  As the late great Louise Hay states in one of her affirmations, “I love and approve of myself, exactly as I am.”  So be it.