Body Parts
As I sit here preparing to write this blog the automatic thoughts that flood my brain are well a lot. How we view the relationship with our body can be intense, wild and overwhelming. For me, it’s been a rollercoaster ride - highs and lows and if I am lucky some time just to coast. It makes it easier to coast when I am able to get perspective that my body is a part of me - just like being a mom, a crafter, and an amazing banana bread maker! We all have so many different parts that make us, our body is just a part of the equation.
When I am riding the rollercoaster and things are “low” my body is failing - a part of me is failing. The summer before my freshman year of college I trained my body preparing for my first soccer pre-season. I was so excited to embark on this journey. Before the actual season even started, we were practicing in the gym and twisted my knee - it hurt like hell! I didn’t want my new teammates to think that I was weak so I got back up - falling back onto the floor. A trip to the doctor and an MRI scan determined that I had torn my ACL and cracked my knee cap. Interesting how I thought I was weak when in fact I was medically unable to play for the rest of the season and required surgery.
My body failed me again when I was 38 weeks pregnant and I wasn’t feeling “right.” I trusted my gut and went in to see the doctor. Within minutes, they determined that I was preeclamptic and told me “you’re having a baby today.” The medical team was amazing taking care of me and our little one.
My body has succeeded and done some amazing things - I mean I did bring life into the world - my wonderful son! I was so honored and lucky to have my sister and mother in the laboring room. They both told me after how strong, beautiful, and determined I was - I didn’t even realize it myself. I figured that’s what you do. It’s amazing what our bodies can do - sometimes I just need a reminder from some pretty amazing people.
We are going to have highs and lows in our body journey - times when our body fails us and times that it succeeds. But our bodies are just a part of us! Try to think about what are the other parts of you - both internally and externally. Internally, think about your values, goals or even telling yourself “I am smart and kind” - that’s what my sister and son say every time they hang out. External parts of yourself, think “My curls look good today” - that’s what I tell myself every time I have a wash day.
Remember, your body is just a part of you - You are smart and kind and your hair looks good today!
