10.27.2008

Honest

I religiously read the Post Secret blog every Sunday and have for a long time. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I feel like I want to cry, sometimes I cringe and sometimes, rarely, do I nod and understand.


As women we are bombarded with images of body perfect models. Stick thin women who make us exam our own bodies, every inch, and wish we could look a certain way. I've wished for tanner skin, to lose 10 pounds, to lose 50 pounds, to have long straight hair, to have pretty knees, to have a tighter stomach, everything! It's hard when every time you flip open the newest issue of whatever magazine that showcases fashion and celebrities to not wish something was different about our bodies.

I've been ashamed of one particular area of my body for years. I cover it up on purpose, even when I've just showered. My most intimate moments are clouded with the panic that I need to cover my not so perfect part. I wish I could live just one day with this body part 'normal'. I've lost weight and it doesn't change. I've seriously considered how much it would cost to have it surgically fixed. But, recently, this all changed.

It must have been months ago this particular secret was revealed on Post Secret and it spoke to me like no other secret ever has. It changed my whole outlook and perception of my hated body part. I am forever changed and I am so grateful.

Thank you to the beautiful woman who took the time to reveal her secret to the world. You have enabled me to reveal my secret and I'm proud to show my badges of honor. They are my most prized scars.

It's not pretty and it's not anything to envy. But it's mine and I have two children that are my life that I owe these scars and sagging belly button to. I wouldn't trade this belly for the world. No sir.


19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good for you! There is no more prized mark on a woman's body! That tummy did amazing things!

Anonymous said...

Oops, that anonymous was me. I got click happy. :D

Anonymous said...

Good for you!

M said...

I LOVE YOU. I AM PROUD OF YOU. I ALSO HAVE A NEW BLOG TO STALK!

xo

Anonymous said...

This is your best post. You should be so proud of yourself right now.

Missah said...

you know what I love about this picture...if you look at it, cock your head to the right just a tad; your baby marks are in the shape of a heart.

And you look amazing! Your tummy looks pretty darn tight to me!

Juanita said...

I wear my proud marks well now that I know that its okay to honor the scars that gave me my 4 wonderful kids. Thanks for letting me see the light!!

MommaMo said...

Fantastico! Be proud of what you've accomplished and love who you are.

Sarah said...

GOOD FOR YOU! I got chills as I read this post. I am so proud/happy etc for you

Elizabeth said...

You are a rock star.

Jennie said...

This is amazing. Thank you. Honesty really is the best policy, isn't it?

La Petite Chic said...

Honey, you look fabulous!! Way to go!! :)

SLynnRo said...

Good for you. That takes some guts.

Anonymous said...

You know what, you are beautiful! Don't ever think differently!

And you're right, those two kids are SO worth it!

Moll said...

You are so brave! I am covered in stretch marks and I haven't even had kids yet! We really need to have more images in the media about what real bodies look like - maybe then we all wouldn't be so ashamed about being normal!

Anonymous said...

Yeehaw! Thanks for sharing! You are my new personal hero. I have recently overcome my fear of going out with my eyebrows on - terribly silly, but, traumatizing nonetheless. It is amazing to just get up and go on the weekend and ... although I still swear people are looking at me quizzically, I just keep on strutting.

Unknown said...

That belly looks beautiful to me!!!

bethany actually said...

Badges of honor, indeed!

Anonymous said...

I love that you were honest. Your tummy is beautiful! It took care of 2 very wonderful babies.....and that's nothing to be ashamed of, ever. Thank you for sharing. I too read PostSecret, and have been thinking of posting something in reference to someone's secret a couple of weeks ago.