I don't feel bad about my age. I don't really have body image hang ups. And both my step-mother and mother crossed the 40 year mark with no big fuss, so I've never seen it as a scary age.
My mother's bathtub is an old claw foot (painted gold). Along one bathroom wall there's a ridge with paintings propped on it, and for some reason there's a mirror propped up that faces right into the tub, between the two edges of the shower curtain. So you get in the shower and -- woo! There you are! In all your glorious nudosity.
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| "Fat Cat Capsizing" - the view from the toilet |
It was disconcerting at first. But I believe you shouldn't look away from yourself in mirrors, and you also shouldn't trash talk yourself when looking. Y'know... look bravely and say nice things.
I gained weight again in the last 6 months (I now weight 225 lbs, I'm 5'10'') so I have a poochy belly now and stretch marks on my hips. But every time I shower I Look Bravely and Say Nice Things.
I tell it it has lovely curves and when I need it to work hard, it does a damn fine job. My arms might jiggle, but they can still spend four hours pushing a mower, wielding a rake, and hacking at the Weeds of Doom.*
I have big thighs now, but every day they carry me around the nabe so the Brat Pack can check their pee-mail and yell at the neighbors.
My hands are starting to paper up in fine lines and age spots, but every day this month they cranked out 2000 words, and day before yesterday they did 8000.
Happy Birthday body! You're gettin' older, but you've still got it where it counts.
____
* Today I discovered the blackberry weed's mother ship! It was a gruesome battle. The head-high thistles were easier, I just mowed those suckers down.
11 comments:
Oh, I Love this post! The closet in our new house has a full-length mirror at the far end, so when you come in a from a shower, there's no avoiding it. I will look bravely and say nice things today. thanks.
I have a large over-sink mirror in my tiny bathroom. Today I will look bravely and say nice things. I'm not as strong as I would like to be because I don't get out and do physical things, or even stay in and do physical things. It would be different if I had a yard, but that is not to be for now.
I'm glad you won the blackberry war; it's a hard one and difficult to stay one because of how it propagates. But good for you!
ps: Happy belated birthday! Woo hoo! I hope you celebrated as much as you could because birthdays are important. It's your day.
Happy, happy birthday!
I love that...say nice things...I'm always too critical. Today I shall celebrate my nude body as I exit the shower. Hope there's a lot of steam on the mirror. : )
Ahh ... if only we could see what the mirror sees!
Happy Birth Day Miss Mabel.
:D
Happy Birthday!!!
I love this post and would I were as brave... something I'll have to work on.
It seems you've given us all something important to think about and have set us a good example as well. An altogether fine gift for you to give on your birthday.
[Neither the looking bravely nor the saying nice things are things I've been doing nor are they things I'm any good at, but I shall work on them now.]
So sorry I missed the actual date. Happy, Happy Birthday. May this be one among many wonderful years.
Happy Birthday! 40 was okay with me, too.
I also love this post. This is my favorite sentence:
"I have big thighs now, but every day they carry me around the nabe so the Brat Pack can check their pee-mail and yell at the neighbors."
You have a way with words all your own. I hope I get to read a book that you have written sooner rather than later.
Happy Belated!!! What a fabulous post, and yes, a gift you've given us. Thank you. Hope your day (and even week) is/was/will be festive with much love.
Yes, also, to JJJ's comment about your way with words. And about looking forward to reading your book soon. So glad you've been writing a lot lately.
A very productive year, this past year has been for you.
Happy Belated. Love you a lot.
Ooh thanks for the bday wishes everyone! I feel loved.
@Barb - It's either that or being reduced to changing in the hallway! Or entering your bedroom backwards.
@Skye - I've only become mildly unsedentary because of having to walk the dogs and prep the house for sale. I'm amazed that my body still functions after sitting around for over a year. So... I suspect there's still strength in you too! (In more ways that one.) ;-)
@Robena - lol The mirror does steam up after a bit, so I only have to be brave for 5 minutes or so.
@widders - Ooh I like that. :-)
@Judie - I happen to know you are a very brave lady.
@nancy - Love you too! xx oo
@JJJ - Thanks! I am zee blushing. We shall definitely exchange works in the near future.
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