Body Image: A Conversation with Me, Myself and My OTHER Half.

 

The key message for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2008 – “Be comfortable in your genes. Wear jeans that fit the TRUE you." 

And it starts today!

This year, my daughters and I have made a commitment to do just that - hosting the I Am Beautiful blog Tour with Woody Winfree on Valentine's Day started us off on some pretty cool dialog - and with BlogHer launching the A Letter to my Body initiative, I can't help but get fired-up about discussing body image.

You see, we should ALL love our bodies!

[feels tap on shoulder]

"Uh, self?  Can we talk?"

So, as you can see, I am very excited about...

"Uh, excuse me, self.  We need to talk!"

Oh, damn it - please, excuse me for just a moment - okay, ya' got one minute and then you, I mean, I'm outta here!

"Tsk, tsk....now, now.  Remember your New Year's Resolution?  Something about more patience with yourself?  Anyhow, I see that you failed to mention your other half."

I'm a Gemini.  So, I have accepted the fact that there are two sides to my personality that are constantly clashing.  The fun side of me, whose glass is always half-full, and the  more neurotic side, who's pissed that nobody bothered to fill the water pitcher, again!

Still.

What OTHER half?  Do not ruin this for me!  Don't be a kill-joy!  By the way, you've got about 30 seconds to make your point, because I've got to change over the washer and dryer.

"Your other half.  Your spousal unit.  Your husband Garth (not his real name) the father of your four children and the OTHER half who brings home a paycheck, regularly."

Oh, what about him?

"Listen, self.  I don't see HIM mentioned anywhere.  Did ya' think maybe you should mention how thankful you are?  How he doesn’t bitch, moan or complain when you're sitting at the computer after the kids go to sleep; sometimes late into the night.  Thinks you're pretty awesome, actually, even when you don't.  Maybe even a little amazed that he, you know, still loves you?" 

[covering both ears]

OKAY!  I get your point!  And, you're time is up!  Go away!

"All right, self.  I'll leave you to yourself.  But, I'll be back!"

So, where was I...oh, yeah...I think it's VERY important that we women (especially, moms) help each other (not to mention, our daughters) understand that perhaps it's okay NOT to feel like we have to be our bestest, most prettiest selves, all the time.

"Ahem."

Of course, that means that we should also acknowledge that there ARE people who love us, regardless of our hair color (at the time) state of mind, mis-shapen breasts, or the size of our big fat behind.

"Watch it self!"

What I mean to say is, if I were to write a letter to my body, it would sound an awful lot like what I would say...to my husband:

I know how hard you work.  I know how tough it can get.  But, I can't do it without you.  I love you.  I need you to hang in there, with me.  Being a mother IS hard, but I'm truly grateful for all that you have done and I'll try really hard NOT to bitch about it, too much.

That's what I would say, okay?

"Self, I'm proud of you.  Now, how about adding a little something about intimacy - or the lack there of?"

Look, I don't think that's really necessary - my mother-in-law might be reading this.

[waves]

Hi Mom!

"Trust me - she's HAD five kids - she already knows!"

Oh, shut up - you guys know what I mean, right? - stupid self!

[Edited to add:  I strongly encourage all my mommy (and daddy) friends to read Amanda Coggin's essay, "Distorted:  A Mother, A Daughter and an Eating Disorder" I found via Divine Caroline.]

© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

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Comments

[Crunchy Domestic Goddess]

that was cute. i really enjoyed it. :) it was a good reminder to me too to be thankful for my husband who puts up w/ all of *my* late nights and our *ahem* lack of intimacy too. these guys are pretty special, aren't they?

[Chris]

Still giggling--loved this post! It's a tough one--self love--for so many of us to get our brains around, but so valuable if we can manage it. Here's to a healthy body image for all us girls!

[FireMom]

I'm not a Gemini. What's my excuse? ;)

[Jamie]

Great post Liz! Heck I have a difficult time just making sure my girls are bathed regularly and dressed to the nines for the preschool/kindergarten peers, much less finding the time to wash my own hair!

Thanks for the reminder to be appreciative of my body, even if it isn't as toned or taut as I'd like it to be. Just don't get me started on swimsuit season and my fear of blinding people at the pool with my freakishly white legs. ;)

[Meeta]

I totally understand you! We were talking in dance class the other day about how we as women hate our bodies. We really need to start loving them more. Damn the media :)

[motherofbun]

Love your note to yourself. We should all remember that our bodies work hard and that we can't do it without 'em. Great note. Glad you wrote about this.