Do you remember the little song “my body’s nobody’s body but mine…”? We each have a unique body gifted to us. That gift values more highly than anything else in our possession. Or that we could ever possess. Yet, we tend to see our body as rags instead of riches.

What would do you if you didn’t have your hands to craft words on paper (or screen)? What would you do if you didn’t have arms to embrace a loved one? Legs to run? Eyes to experience the beauty of this world? Picture life without any single part of your body.

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Our bodies bring us so much opportunity and life. We must cherish the bodies we have, with all their quirks, soft spots, or pains. They do not deserve the abuse which we expose them to on a regular basis, both physically and mentally.

Even if they can’t do all the things we hope or look the way we desire, our bodies still require love. If you had someone in your life who supported you in every way imaginable, wouldn’t you want to show that person your appreciation? Our bodies are that entity. Let’s show them a little bit of thanks today and every day.

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I thank my heart for working hard endless hours of the day and night to pump blood through my body. Without you, heart, I would not be here to play with my daughter, love my husband, and share my message.

I thank my smile for the kindness it shows. You may have a small gap in the front two teeth and you may not be the whitest, but that makes you (and me) unique and beautiful. I thank you, smile, for the ability you have to display my care and happiness.

I have many more things to thank on my body, but now I want to hear yours. Reflect on your body’s gifts. Then declare… “I thank my ______”. Share at least one in the comment section to inspire others of the truly miraculous gifts of the body.

Quote to Reflect On
We don't stop at our skin.  ~Dolores Krieger

You know what really irks me? Headlines on magazines like US Weekly with claims like the following: “See How So and So Lost All Her Baby Weight in 10 Days!” or “Celeb X Got Her Pre-Baby Body Back in ONE Month”. You know what I’m talking about. I don’t know if these were actual headlines, but they sure do sound familiar. And okay – it’s true you can lose all the baby weight that fast. As for your body achieving the same shape? For your average Jane without the trainers and nannies, not gonna happen that quickly. It just won’t. That is why I plan to tell all (openly, honestly, and with pictures) here on FFF.

I delivered baby B one week ago. My body looks like this right now.

And it is absolutely perfect. Just how it is. It carried my child for 9.5 months. It nourishes my little man right now. It plays with my beautiful daughter. It is me. It is real. It is beautiful.

Sure, I have fitness goals I want to achieve…but that’s more about caring for myself and doing things I enjoy. I still need to love my body where it’s at in this moment. And I do.

In sharing my “body after baby” journey, I hope to show that it is possible to regain fitness and get back in shape with balance, moderation, and consistency. I want to reflect the reality that it takes time, dedication, and effort but that it can happen.

More important than anything though, I want to express the strength and beauty of our bodies. They can do miraculous things – whether carrying a child or running a mile or hugging a friend. Please love yourself today and every day. I’m beautiful! And you are too.

Question of the Day – What about your body amazes you right now? Remember – be confident!

And for those interested – I shared a link to the sneak peek of Braedon’s newborn photos on my Facebook page. 🙂