We had a nearly perfect weekend together as a family. We didn't do anything major, we cleaned the house together, ran to Costco, husband and I had a date night, two of my kids pooled their $$ and bought a guinea pig (named Rascal) and we went swimming at the local family pool.At the pool, we chose our spot to plop our gear down and then I noticed "HER" right next to us. A woman with the "perfect" body (obviously EXTREMELY surgically enhanced....if someone chooses to do that it is up to them....but please save the itsy bitsy bikini that covers barely anything for the adult pool thanks!). She was strutting her stuff and obviously quite proud of her body. In fact my 6 year old noticed her right away (in fact I think his jaw dropped) and pointed and asked why her swimsuit wasn't modest and why she wasn't covering those "things".
There I sat with my very squishy baby producing body and I started to feel self-conscious and did the ever so popular game of comparing my weaknesses with her "strengths". I was feeling a bit down on myself.
And then it happened. I had a very profound experience right there at the public pool with hundreds of people surrounding me. I was holding my 1 year old who was done with swimming and was drinking a bottle very sleepily. I looked down at his sweet face and sweaty curls, I then looked out at the kiddie pool where my husband was catching my darling 3 yr old daughter over and over and over again as she jumped off the side and squealed with joy every time she did so. I looked over to my 3 older boys who were playing tag in the pool and having so much fun together. I had such a strong sense of gratitude and knew I am just where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing at this time in my life. And for that knowledge I am so grateful..sometimes I just need that little reminder.
3 comments:
I love your blog Cheryl. I have felt exactly what you describe in this post. Thanks for being so open and honest. Reading your post made me feel happy my own choices and maybe even a little more at peace with my "squishiness".
Nothin' doin' Cheryl. I saw you recently and thought you were lookin' quite svelt. Honestly, you are lovely and your family is amazing. There really is so much to be grateful for. I'm afraid I'm only comfortable at a public pool if I'm in water up to my neck. :) Having a 'babe-watch' starlet on scene was undoubtedly uncomfortable. Way to go focusing on what's really important!
Thanks for this reminder, Cheryl. :)
Post a Comment