It’s taken quite some time – and I really am not sure how long this feeling will last – but lately I’ve had an oddly immense feeling of self-esteem.
It’s weird how even typing that makes me feel like I’m bragging or something. Why do I feel like having self-esteem is an arrogant thing? Oh well, boastfulness aside, it feels so free – and awesome – to not put others’ opinions of me before my own.
I wore a dress this weekend that was a pre-baby belly dress. Yes, it fit just fine but that doesn’t necessarily mean I should wear it. I actually liked how this dress looked on me. I felt womanly and I was pleased with my curves. Sure, my belly popped out causing Nate to rub it and innocently observe, “It looks like there’s a baby in there.” (No. There is not.) A comment like this would’ve destroyed me prior to this week or so of feeling secure. (The grocery store bagger crushed me when she said it to me a few months ago.) Now, I giggled at him and said, “Nope. That’s just mommy. It’s my comfortable belly.”
I think womanly/curvy is hot. Why does it seem that as soon as a lady has a non-flat stomach, the perception is she’s with child? Decades ago it just meant you were one fine and foxy female. I’m working toward that opinion again. I’m glad I have my comfortable belly. It helped carry my two worlds and cocooned them in love, life and nourishment in the forms of Spicy V8 and ice cream. (Not at the same time.) I eat the foods I like so I’m not grumpy and I work out so those foods (and beverages) don’t push me to the unhealthily zone. I’m sure if I really pushed myself I could turn my comfy tummy to a flat one but I’m a happy lady in my skin. My body shape and size is just-right healthy. That statement makes me restroom selfie-secure.
Feelin’ fine so I took a restroom selfie.
Are You Zhazha? 
Gawjus!
You always know what to say to make me smile. Thank you!
I love this. And I love you!
Wah! 🙂
I think you look wonderful! Really youthful, healthy and glowing (in a non-preggo way) I am trying to get there, myself. By there, I mean that place where you are comfy being you. I was there, once…a long time ago and just your description makes me remember that warm and fuzzy feeling. My mom recently told me that she hates the years she wasted being self-conscious when she looks back and realizes she looked really good! *head smack* Why do we do this to ourselves?
Congrats, beautiful lady. Being healthy, health conscious yet still enjoying the things that make you smile – well, that sounds just perfect!
Thank you, Karen! And so true about the wasted time worrying about body image. The other thing I want to remember is to not be defined by the fact that I have someone who likes me for me. (Andrew.) As long as I like me, that’s all that matters. Everything else is gravy or whipped cream (or lemon for water if you’re watching calories). I believe others see us as we see ourselves.
You are so beautiful and I know you are rocking your health right now! I have a huge respect for how disciplined you are and am inspired by you!