And then I was like oh Shit - I am enough!

There are so many posts these days (and really forever and always) about women's bodies. They still seem to have this flavour of what they "should" be; that strong is the new skinny, that real bodies look like this (insert photo of a woman with curves here). Let's not shame any-body, let's just love ourselves right now, in this moment right where we are at! The good news is, and I can see it from all the posts like this - that things are changing. Self-love and acceptance are on the horizon!

I am working at loving my body, more everyday. It's a struggle, and still I feel that old pull of "you aren't skinny/sexy/feminine" enough. BUT I can honestly say that I am proud of amazed by this wonderful body, what it has done and what it continues to do. This pride/love I hold didn't come after my body changed, it came first and it will always come first - unconditionally and without warrant. It just is.
I am the strongest I have ever been and yet you might not know it to look at me, even in my undies. I have quieted the negative chatter to a (usually) dull roar. I feel fierce and confident - despite what I have been conditioned to believe. Every time I step onto my mat, silence the self-destructive thoughts and accept myself just where I am at - my inner strength builds and flows into outer strength. I finally find those feelings of deep peace and contentment that I have been longing for. For me, that's what has created a strong healthy body. Strength comes from within and radiates outwardly.

So here's a short post - a toast if you will - to women of all shapes and sizes - let's keep countering the narrow view of women's bodies by openly and proudly standing tall in our own skin.
They would have nothing to sell us if we loved ourselves.

It really doesn't matter what size you are, where you carry weight or where you don't - all women are real women and all women are beautiful.

Love yourself, you are enough.
Oh and yeah - surprise! My armpits are hairy.
Jai Bhagwan! Victory to the Spirit (and the body!)

Game changer: if you read this post, and like it instead of a commenting on me, drop me a line on how you are working towards loving yourself more and maybe it will also inspire others to do the same!

With Love and Gratitude,
Grace

Photo by Kay Photography
http://www.kayphotos.com/