I have heard J. Cole say, “Love yourself girl or nobody will,” over 1,000 times in my head over the last 3-6 months. As I begin writing this post, it was literally the only thing I could repeatedly think of. I have spent time trying to think of topics to write about that would hold interest and make a real impact on the mind of many mommies. I thought, “hmmm…I could write about me and Aiden’s first vacation together…” or no! “I could write about being a mommy and doing things like working or going to school…” As I began to type about these topics, I couldn’t even keep my own interest.

I then thought about the things that go on in my everyday life as a mommy. I thought, “what would I want to hear another mommy talk to me about. “That’s when the light went off! How about I write about one of my insecurities as a mommy. I am sure all mommies have them and could use a boost of encouragement. So, after jotting down a few ideas and thoughts, I decided to narrow it down to one insecurity that I know just about EVERY mommy has experienced, unless of course you’re in the 2% of moms that can afford a “Mommy Makeover” immediately after giving birth. Or the 2% of those that snap right back without a tiger mark, an extra pound, or any boobie changes.

 

When I initially gave birth, of course my body was the last thing that I had thought of. I didn’t care to look in a mirror, I didn’t care to compare to another mommy, I was just amazed by the fact that my body had given birth to another human being. As time went on, I begin to examine myself, notice other mommies and their changes, and realize how differently my pre-pregnancy clothes fit. Like a human being, it started to weigh heavily on me and my thoughts. Sort of became something like an obsession.

Sacrificing your body is hard. It is not only physically hard to become a mommy, but I have had the experience of it being emotionally hard as well. I myself, have tried many creams to rid of the tiger marks, researched plastic surgery, changed my eating habits, worked out, quit and tried again! Having such extreme body changes on top of all the other things that come with being a mommy can be very stressful.

I would like to encourage all moms to LOVE and ACCEPT YOURSELF. With all that comes with it. As cliché as it may sound, your body did something that not everyone has the capability to do. Love the tiger marks, the extra belly fat, the change in shape, the not so perky boobs, and whatever else may have come with you walking into mommy hood. With that, I would also like to encourage all moms to take care of yourself. Mind, body, and spirit. I started noticing changes with my body when I spent more time trying to eat right, working out, and doing things that promote a healthy mind. Of course, I still have my moments, but let’s do it together mommies. Love ourselves, or nobody will!