Can you imagine one day telling stories to your grand-kids about your life adventures over the last 70 years and not having pictures to show them because you didn't like the way you looked at the time? No pictures of you on international beaches because you had cellulite or carried extra weight. No selfies from your favorite restaurants because your teeth didn't look white enough. No pictures that your loved ones took from behind without you knowing, as you stared at a beautiful sunset because you didn't like the way your thighs looked? If an image is holding us back, maybe we're living for the wrong things.
Today I looked in the mirror and let out the biggest sigh. My body is nowhere near the image I have for myself in my head. It's also not always the image that gets posted to Instagram or Facebook. Those are the highlight reels of peoples lives; and this image is certainly not a highlight for me. Then I sat down in front of my mirror and took this picture and I forced myself to say only positive things. These arms give "I truly mean this" hugs. Those tummy rolls are the product of learning to cook (after 26 years) and enjoying the incredible food that Nashville has. My un-pedicured feet walk miles every day to take care of sick kiddos in the hospital. The bags under my eyes are from losing sleep because I got lost in another book and couldn't wait until the next day to see how it ended. These freckles are from spending time with my best friends, enjoying the sunshine. They may not be my favorite things to highlight on my body, but they MAKE ME, ME.
I can't wait for my yoga and barre studio to reopen after quarantine, but if you had asked me why last week, I would have said "so I can lose these extra 20 pounds I cant get rid of doing at- home workouts". But today, Ill tell you its because it makes me feel better to be active and feel strong. It's not *only about the looks. And yes, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to get back to a smaller size because I look better. But along with that, I feel better when I'm stronger, I have more energy during the day when I consistently exercise. And quite frankly, I feel less guilty about eating an extra portion of pasta or ice cream for dessert when I've had a good workout in during the day. I'm human.
The point I'm trying to make is, be proud of where you are today because eventually, these will be memories you look back on and you will want those pictures. One day it will be too exhausting to spend and entire day in the sun with your friends. Or it will hurt too badly to pick up your babies and swing them around and be silly. One day you wont have the energy to go out to a concert and sing loud and dance your heart out. Or maybe one day you won't be able to hike up that mountain for a picture at the top. Your body provides you with so much more than an "image". It provides you with a vessel to go places, and work hard, and travel and make memories. So don't be so hard on it. Take the picture.
xo,
Kolbie
Love this!