Body Love

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last couple of months, you may have noticed that in the blogging world there has been an upsurge of body love and posts dealing with the multi-facted, complex relationship that we (male and female) have with our bodies.  For example, Gena has written a couple of guest posts on the great blog Eat the Damn Cake about body image and cultivating a positive relationship with your body; whilst ladies such as Averie and Janetha have been celebrating the strength of the female form.  There is also Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful (can’t wait for her book), which is sweeping public places everywhere.  Compelled by Tasha’s latest post to write a love letter to your body, I have done just this.  Body, here is my love letter to you.

Dear small, but perfectly imperfectly formed body,

I would like to begin my praising you for being the carrier of my soul, and the medium through which I interact with the world.  Without you I would not be.  You haven’t always blessed me with health and smooth sailing but we’ve always come through it.  You may be a bit temperamental about what I put in you, and you may react to the unconscious thoughts in my mind (whatever they are!) but I love and value you still.

Hair, I love how soft and wavy you are.  Thank you for being adaptable and patient with the numerous different hairstyles I’ve had over the years.  Some good, some bad but you’ve humbly put up with them.

Eyes, thank you for being big and blue.  Sometimes you are slightly hidden by the dark-rimmed glasses I enjoy wearing but I prefer to show you on special occasions only; like a party dress one pulls out especially for celebrated events.

Nose, you are small and dainty.  I love how inconspicuous you are.

Mouth, considering you are of a similar size to my nose, you most certainly like to hog the lime light sometimes!  You have been known to project my dry sense of humour at inappropriate moments.  And, whilst I am outwardly embarrassed, deep down I love this part of me.  Plus, without I would not be able to enjoy some of my favourite things in the world- food and kisses from Tom.

Teeth, you have been through a lot in terms of dental treatment and have caused me to spend great amounts of money but you’re still there.  I’m so proud and thankful for your ability to nosh on all the great raw food I like to enjoy.  Without you, how would I enjoy my raw carrots and favourite, cashew nuts?

Shoulders, you draw attention to how petite I am, which I love, and you hold me in Sarvangasana.  Thank you.

Arms, you hold my unique birth mark and draw attention to my tiny wrists, which make me feel dainty.

Hands, I love you for enabling me to play the piano, which I enjoy so dearly.  You are nimble and with you I can carry out the more intricate tasks of nursing.

Breasts, thank you for remaining even when in the past I have lost too much weight; you’ve still been there.  Because of you, I am reminded that I am a woman, and proud.

Stomach, wow we have been through alot!  Forgive me for not always giving you the love you deserve.  I have abused you and cursed you, and for this, I am sorry.  Know that I love how you gently curve.

Legs, you know what, considering I’m so short you’re actually quite long (in relation to the rest of me).  I love how strong you are and knees, don’t tell thighs and calves but, you’re my favourite part.

Feet, like the rest of me, you are small but your (UK) size 3s get me great deals on shoes; score!  It is because of you that I love walking around with bare feet and painted toe nails.

Thank you body for being imperfectly perfect. x

***

Ok readers, what are you waiting for, it’s your turn now!