Day 4 - I Celebrate Myself

We as humans (especially women) are constantly critiquing our bodies. Our hips are too wide, our buns are too big, our arms flap when we wave. Everyone has a list of things that they hate about their body. For some of us, the list could fill a book.

Well, I am here to tell you to STOP. The fact is, no one is perfect. And the idea of the perfect body is in the eye of the beholder. There was a time when more rotund women were considered sexier than their skinny counterparts because they were perceived as healthier and therefore more fertile. Now I am not saying that we all need to be overweight, because carrying too much weight is not good for your health. You need to find a weight that is healthy for you, and while it may not make you look like the ideal supermodel, accept it for what it is and be grateful for all it does for you.

You see, my body is far from perfect, but I am blessed by it in so many ways. Unlike many people, I have two legs that carry me where I want to go and two arms that can hold my children. Through my body I am able to feel the softness of my cat and hear the laughter of my daughter. My body holds my heart which pumps blood throughout my veins. When you really think about it, the body is a remarkable thing. Think of how all the tiny things work together just so you can breathe. So while you may not have the "ideal" look, you are still fantastic - a walking, breathing, vibrant miracle.

So your next joyful challenge is to follow the advice of one of my favorite dancer/choreographer's: "The next time you look into the mirror, just look at the way the ears rest next to the head; look at the way the hairline grows; think of all the little bones in your wrist. It is a miracle." - Martha Graham

As for the title of my blog today, it is from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself". He's one of my favorite poets. Random fact, at one point Walt's poetry was considered vulgar and pornographic.

So with that thought, I'll leave you for today. And remember - be grateful for your body. It may not look perfect, but it still brings you great joy.