A Space for a Belly

I’ve been thinking a lot about body image, especially as we age and after we have a child. We change. We morph…but does that mean we shame ourselves into being something other than our true selves? Does it mean we shape-shift into a space that is not authentic? I know that I have tried to fit a mold of beauty that is unattainable for a very long time.

And I am tired.

So now, I am working on letting that go. I am working on loving myself…especially that mama belly that I now have. I’ve mentioned it before, but I wrote a poem about it this week.

It is time to let the shame go and to love ourselves as we are now. Every. Single. Part…of our unique and lovely selves.

Right. Now.

Here’s my poem. Happy reading!

She Who Laughs With the Mama Belly

I am a Mama.

And I laugh, again, through it all.

What is life? Is it meant to be found in piles of bills and clean sheets?

I wonder if there is more…

Today, I belly laugh with my mama belly. Stretched and morphed, a place of shelter and refuge for my child; I let go of the shaming notion of fat and instead, open my eyes to what is.

Beauty.

This. Very. Moment.

Always.

You, Shelly, the mama with the belly.

You, Shelly, the mama with the son.

You, Shelly, the mama—an ever grateful mama who feels joy and strength and youthful exuberance bursting forth daily.

Age is gone.

Why? Because I wasn’t a hinder to your mama-hood.

Your patience is your spirituality.

Your love is ever filling your cup.

You are forever full.

Always.

Always the mama with the belly of love…