Finally Loving the Body I Have—Not the One I Thought I Needed
For the longest time, I measured my body against an impossible standard—one that was always just out of reach. I kept telling myself "I'll love my body when I lose 10 pounds" or "when I tone my arms." But somewhere along the way, I had this realization: I was postponing self-love, waiting for a version of myself that might never come.
So I decided to stop. I’ve decided to love this body—the one that has carried me through every season of life—exactly as it is.
Embracing the Changes: My Body, My Story
My body has changed in ways I never expected. It's softer in some places, and stronger in others. Each change tells the story of sleepless nights, shared laughter, and years of showing up for the people I love. And while society keeps telling us to resist these changes, I'm learning to see them differently now—as proof of a life well-lived.
How I'm Choosing Health Without the Pressure
Here's what I've learned: loving my body doesn't mean I don't care for it. It means I prioritize feeling good over looking a certain way. Instead of punishing workouts, I choose movement that brings me joy—whether it's dancing in the kitchen, taking long walks, or doing yoga. Instead of dieting, I focus on nourishing my body with foods that make me feel energized. My health is no longer about shrinking myself but about thriving in the body I have.
The Wardrobe Struggle: Dressing for the Body I Have Now
The hardest part of this journey has been letting go of the clothes I was “saving for one day." You know the ones—the jeans that haven't fit in years, the dress you swore you'd wear when you hit a certain goal, that tee shirt from high school that you just can’t get rid of....
I finally asked myself: Why am I holding onto clothes for a body that isn't mine anymore?
So I let them go. Now, I dress for today, choosing pieces that make me feel confident right now—not when I lose 10 pounds, not in some distant future, but today.
Lessons Learned: How to Love the Body You're In
If you've ever struggled to love your body, here's what I want to share with you:
- Your body is not the enemy. It has carried you through every season, even the hard ones, and deserves your kindness.
- Movement is a gift, not a punishment. Find ways to move that make you feel alive and energized.
- Wear what makes you feel good today. Stop saving clothes for a future version of yourself—you deserve to feel confident now.
- Health is about how you feel, not just how you look. Focus on energy, strength, and joy in your daily life.
- You are worthy of love now. Not "when" or "if." Right now, exactly as you are.
A Love Letter to My Body
To the body that has carried me through heartbreak and healing, laughter and loss—I see you. I promise to treat you with kindness, to feed you well, to move with joy, and to love you as you are. Not someday. Not when I reach an unreachable goal. But today.
Learning to love my body hasn’t been an overnight transformation—it’s been a journey of unlearning, acceptance, and gratitude. Some days, I still catch myself in old thought patterns, but now, I remind myself that this body is not something to be at war with. It’s my home, my strength, my story.
If this journey resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me inside Sip & Savor, my twice-weekly newsletter where we embrace every season of our Full Cup Eras—one small, meaningful step at a time. You’ll get a dose of encouragement, real talk, and inspiration to help you show up fully as you.
Let’s take this journey together. 💛 Join Sip & Savor today!
