You don’t have to be body positive all the time
It’s ok to be body positive and also have bad body days.
This is something I’ve come to realise since becoming pregnant, but mainly since having a baby and adjusting to my “new” body. Now, for the most part, I am in total awe and adoration of my body for growing an entire human being, giving birth to it and keeping it alive. Sure, it’s more wobbly now, and there’s this extra bit of skin which I’ve had to get used to, but it did a bloody incredible thing, and continues to do so on a daily basis.
However, there are moments where I do find myself critiquing it and getting annoyed at the fact I can’t fit into my old jeans yet (though why anyone would want to wear denim in this weather unless it’s in hot pant form is beyond me). There was a slight moment of…sadness? annoyance? frustration? when I had to select the size up on ASOS when ordering some post-baby outfits. But I don’t think it’s realistic to not expect any of those feelings, especially as a woman.
We’re constantly monitored and judged when it comes to our bodies, so it’s only natural that we’ve internalised some of that judgment and have the odd moment where we turn it upon ourselves. For me, it’s when I see “old” photos of myself, or when I made the mistake of trying on pre-pregnancy clothes three weeks after giving birth. Warning to all - don’t do it. Keep those garments locked away out of sight until you’re feeling emotionally more resilient.
Like most (if not every) person, I’ve had a complicated relationship with my body during my 31 years on this planet, but in the last few years I’ve been able to appreciate it for what it can do more than judge it for things it is lacking. So, other than the occasional wobble when I have felt like nothing in my wardrobe fits or looks right - probably more so due to the fact it’s been hotter than the Sahara in the UK and I haven’t wanted to wear anything other than some form of thin, floaty muumuu - I am making a conscious effort every day to thank my body for what it’s done and does, rather than prod and poke at it’s “flaws”.
But I’ll still have days when I’ll yearn for the day I could fit into a size 8 body-con dress, or when I wish the extra stomach roll would f**k off. And that’s ok. No one is perfect, even when comes to body positivity.