Well, having just given birth to a (lovely) baby 6 months ago, it may not come as a surprise that I would love to shed a few post-baby pounds. I am sure every woman who has had a baby would agree, there are lingering reminders that we prefer were no longer there. Some people will say "it took 9 months to put on, you should expect a while for it to leave, as well." I agree with this completely, especially since taking care of the household and raising that baby, along with any others, take precedent over exercise. Trying to reassure myself, as well as other moms, that all is okay with our adjusted appearance, takes a lot of work...mentally, mostly:)
It is a known fact that society places unrealistic expectations on women in general, to fit us all into the same mold. Outwardly we know that mold won't hold everyone, nor will others even fill the mold up. It is interesting that I have friends who I would refer to as "skinny" who still have issues with aspects of their appearance. I have some friends who don't even like to be referred to as "skinny", as if it made them feel like they were not womanly or good enough. Vice versa, no one wants to be called large or big boned, either. Having two little girls of my own to raise, this issue is in my thoughts constantly. How can I make sure they know how beautiful they are, no matter what anyone else may say?
While looking through old clothes a few days ago, I was ridding my stash of items that I gave up trying to fit in again. Items too small. I laughed out loud at myself as I sorted them, thinking about how I felt about myself at that time. When I was an 8, I thought I was too big b/c friends wore a 6. When I was a size 10, same thing. 12, same thing. Funny that now I THINK I would be happy in a size 8 or 10. I truly believe no matter what exercise or diet you complete, some people are just made differently, by genetics (aka God). I have been guilty of looking at other women who are larger than me and 1 - being thankful I was not their size (yet!) and 2 - thinking they looked better than me, even though they were larger. I understand the conundrum of men at times, women, we just never will be happy:)
God loves us, he does not put a size limit on his love. That being said, I am unsure of where the common ground can be found. Society may never be satisfied with us and we may not ever be satisfied with ourselves. It is one of those "which came first, the chicken or the egg" type of questions. I say we take it day by day and make a valid attempt to accept ourselves and others, proving that we are all beautiful, inside and out. I speak that to myself, as well, and know...some days the exercise and dieting is the easy part, unconditional acceptance of ourselves is the real battle!
