A Space to Stretch

Bouncing back.

I’ve been thinking about the notion of bouncing back a lot, especially as it relates to pregnancy and body image. I had the expectation that after giving birth, I would be able to bounce back to my pre-pregnancy body. It would be hard, but I could (and would) do it!

But I’ve been questioning that assumption lately.

Like somehow I could go back to the way things were before I grew a human in my uterus, before my belly stretched out and my organs moved, before my C-section.

I have been fundamentally altered. My body is different. I am older. I am a Mama…so what exactly am I wanting to bounce back to?

We hold women to an impossible standard: take up as little space as possible! Don’t show us the stretch marks. Don’t show us the wrinkles. Cover it all up, stay small and smooth, and all will be well.

No more. Not one moment more of body-shaming!

I can get healthy and still love my Mama-tummy. I earned it! And I got the most wonderful gift in the world out of that deal: My healthy little dude who loves all things Paw Patrol, who loves to read, and who loves to run with full abandon.

I learn so much from my little guy. And this is the lesson he’s taught me lately: “Mama, I love you just the way you are. Right now.”

Right now!

What a gift.

So, I’ve changed my focus. My new goal is not to bounce back, but rather, to move forward into my new self. I want to be strong and flexible and healthy for this new chapter in my life.

I’m learning to run with full abandon again.

And, I’m learning to stretch into this new space; fully, in my new Mama body, tummy and all!

I don’t see how I can take up space, authentically, any other way.

Care to join me?

Call to Action: What negative thing can you give up? What positive and healing thing can you replace it with?