February will not be complete lest you encounter an arrow-slinging cherub or two and several hundred hearts. Funny how a holiday with such commercial origins can have us pondering a universal concept such as love.
I wonder what would happen if this year, we all took that same time and energy typically devoted to the expectations of our significant others (and often, the resulting disappointment) and instead devoted time learning to love ourselves.
It typically does not require Herculean effort to pat ourselves on the back for our wins, our successes, our triumphs and our accomplishments. It can, however, be very difficult to love our losses, our fatal flaws, and our stretch marks. Oh yes. Our stretch marks.
Upon exiting the shower the other day, I noticed something different than usual. Of course, after gaining and losing a few hundred pounds and carrying a child for over 10 months, I knew they were there; but they were often something I chose to ignore. And on occasion, though I hate to admit, they were even the subject of self-loathing. I chose, as many do, to view the lines as something I needed to get rid of, take care of, and completely eliminate.
But that day, they meant something different. You see, never before had I looked at these lines on my body with pride, appreciation, or (dare I say it) love, but as I began to recognize each as a badge of glory, something began to shift.
For the first time, I began to realize how proud I was of the fact I had overcome my seemingly unending “battle of the bulge”. I appreciated the lines for allowing my body to carry my son until he was ready to enter the world as a fully-developed, healthy newborn. I loved the lines for each was a reminder of the lessons I had learned, the challenges I had overcome, and the courage I had mustered. Each line had allowed me the space I needed to grow (yes, both literally and figuratively). I was learning to love my stretch marks.
Each of us has a body part, a personality “flaw”, or a challenge that when forced to face it, we cringe. Most often, what immediately follows is some form of head chatter that sounds a far cry from accolades. The chatter may never completely vacate your vocabulary; however, appreciating each and every part of yourself is the first step to truly loving yourself. And loving yourself is, after all, the first step to loving others.
So, here’s to your stretch marks! May they serve to remind you just how far you have come.
Love and Gratitude for you–stretch marks and all~
Erin
