Body Proud Mum: Guest Post

This month’s guest post: Body Proud Mum comes from mum of one Lorena Vargas, creator of the conscious mum blog. Trigger warning: this article discusses negative body image and anxiety.

Broken

For months, my mind was fixated on the idea there was something wrong with me. Never before have I stared at myself in the mirror feeling so broken. Wishing I could shred to pieces every inch of my body that was not deemed ‘perfect’ or ‘desirable’ anymore.

“No one will want you”, I whispered to myself as I hid, buried in my towel looking for the baggiest bottoms and jumper I owned. This was the very first time it dawned on me what had become very apparent. He replaced me with somebody he was able to put on a pedestal. Someone for the world to see. Her impeccable silhouette made her the perfect trophy to display and walk proudly with his head in the clouds. I was never blind to the changes my body endured after pregnancy and birth and like many I’m sure, I would often get lost in thought about it all. But, for the first time ever I was made to feel like I no longer had any desired value, place or purpose in this man’s world.

Discarded

I never thought I’d see my body as used, damaged goods. Until that is it became somebody’s laughing-stock. Somebody I had loved and trusted with all my gut, who I’d completely and unconditionally given myself to. All my fears, insecurities and anxieties were confirmed and became reality. My heart shattered, falling to the pit of my stomach every time I caught a glimpse of my reflection. Each and every time I’d remind myself of those cruel words he’d entertained and used to describe my imperfections. I could barely look at myself anymore without drowning in my tears. “You’re not good enough for him”, “You’ll never be good enough for anyone” was all I could hear.

It was all very suffocating for quite some time. If I’m honest, I wanted to barricade myself within the walls of my home and disappear from the world. I knew I needed a break from social media. I just couldn’t cope with the standard of perfection seen with every scroll – it was torture! I needed to centre myself again, gain some clarity in my mind and focus on what truly mattered. It was absolutely necessary to immerse myself in complete solitary. Every night I held my baby a little closer and hugged her a little tighter; slowly, but surely remembering life’s truest treasures.

Detox

It was during this time I was able to detox my mind from the poison I’d been fed that led me to such a frail place. A place where I whole-heartedly believed without a shadow of doubt my ‘mum body’ defined my worth, or lack of it. It saddens me now, more than anything. Remembering how low and insignificant someone’s words were able to make me feel. I truly don’t wish that upon anyone. Nobody deserves to feel as though they are not good enough. And this was based merely on how I looked, after having a baby; one of life’s greatest gift!

For me, it doesn’t get any more magical than child-bearing. Our bodies are divine and perform miracles. How dare we – or anyone for that matter  – belittle our sacred bodies?!

Beautifully Embellished & Body Proud

Not everyone bounces back! Some do snap back like they didn’t even have a baby, some snap back with some minor changes, and some evolve completely. We return with permanent stretch marks – otherwise proudly known as ‘tiger’ stripes – saggy skin galore. We may live in a world where often we are misled to strive for perfection (whatever that is) and made to feel as though our mum bodies are no longer worthy of love and happiness. No longer provocative and appealing. But remember, whilst teaching our little ones important life lessons, it’s them who teach us to recognise and cherish ourselves. Loving our souls and physical appearance regardless. It’s us who mustn’t forget that, and later remind them of this as they get older.

Gifted

Love in its purest form does not come from what meets the eyes but from what lays behind them. Self-love is for everyone, for every chapter of our lives. Greater still when our bodies become mothers of a tiny universe.

Today, I look in the mirror and apologise.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to remind you of your beauty. But now I stand here to tell you it’s you and I together. Whoever doesn’t see our flaws as exquisite uniqueness; we shall gracefully walk away from and not look back”.

Much love,

Lorena Vargas

We’d love to hear your thoughts, please share your body proud mum stories in the comments below. Or use #bodyproudmum on Instagram for Lorena to come comment on your posts and shares.

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