I don’t remember when I started staring at my body in the mirror. Definitely by middle school. Being a mother now, I struggle with the image of a preteen critiquing every inch of their precious forms. And yet, in so many ways, there are still days when I feel like that 11 year-old self-doubting little girl.
And then I remember…
This same body has been carrying me. Wherever I go, there she is. Patient and loyal. She walked me through childhood traumas, fled me to safety in moments of danger, gave me the gift of expression when I was mad, glad, and sad. She pulled me out of abusive relationships. She left violent work environments.
This body gave life to two beautiful souls. And to mine. This body forced me to rest after 20+ surgeries, where she gave me space to reflect and reimagine a new life. And then she carried me through the steps of making a whole new world for myself, for my family, for my community.
Wherever I go, there she is. My forever partner in life. My ultimate vehicle for self expression.
I am humbled by her voice…when I listen. And she humbles me when I don’t.
Our bodies can do so. many. things. And we get to decide its many purposes. None of my passion projects require my body to have a certain waste line or hair type or pant size. My relationships don’t require it. My job doesn’t.
In fact, the more I tried to fit my physique into a certain type, the more isolated I felt. Our bodies give us a human experience, which gives us human connection.
Embracing all that my body can do has been one of the greatest bridges to belonging - belonging to myself, in my relationships, in my communities, in my life missions.
Where has your body carried you? What would you like to say to your body?
On the Pod
Belonging + Body Dysmorphia
In this week’s podcast, I chat with therapist Asha Simpson about Body Dysmorphia. Sharing from our personal stories and clinical expertise, we delve into our distraught relationship with our bodies, teasing out societal forces that shape our understanding of the ideal body and shedding light on how we can reclaim our bodies, take up space, and express our authentic selves. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform!