Let's talk ta-tas...

Let's talk about ta-tas shall we? The other day my daughter looked over at me, not so subtly starring at my chest, and said disappointingly "Mom, your boobs aren't very big." Thanks for noticing honey.   I joked that I owe it all to her and her sister who literally sucked the life out of them while breastfeeding.  You're welcome very much! Insert offended eye roll.

We laughed and moved on.

Time goes by and this conversation with my daughter enters my mind.  I realized that I missed a teachable moment.  I missed an opportunity to talk about body image with my observant and impressionable daughter.  I needed to revisit our conversation.   I wanted her to know that despite not being as perky as they use to be, I love my boobs. I'm honored I was able to nourish my babies with breast milk.  I'm grateful that I'm healthy and breast cancer free.  I'm proud that I haven't succumbed to societal pressure to 'enhance' them.  

My boobs are sensational (pun intended)!

I have many friends who have decided to surgically alter the size of their chest, some for health reasons but most for vanity.  I place no judgement upon those women who each have a unique set of circumstances surrounding their decision.  I fully support a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body; however, it's disturbing to me how often women are dissatisfied with how they look. Women go to great lengths to attain some arbitrary standard of beauty at the expense of their health, their finances and their sanity. 

Listen, I get it.  I feel the pressure to pursue this illusive perfection too.   But ladies we are so much more than our looks.  Certainly much more than our bra size.  Who decided what breast size was the most attractive anyway. F that! I don't see men lining up for penile implants to attain some ideal penis size. Most men live with what they were given and work it to the best of their ability.

I digress. 

The point is, embrace your beauty and teach your children to do the same. I try to model a healthy body image for my daughters and for myself.  I want my girls to appreciate every inch of their divinely beautiful bodies. I want them to feel healthy, strong and vibrant in whatever form their body takes.  I want the same for you.  

If you are struggling with your body image and/or self-esteem, please send me a message at myinspiredlife@integra.net.  I'd be honored to work with you.  Make this the day you begin to acknowledge your own beauty, inside and out.

In health and happiness,
Michele