Baby B is coming. Relatively soon. Within the next month (more or less). That sounds soon to me. I’ve mentioned before that I have quite a few topics I want to discuss relating to how I plan to pursue getting back in shape post-pregnancy and other issues surrounding that. I would like to lay it all out there before I even begin the process. I like to have a game plan to share and which to help hold myself accountable. Plus, its fun for me to talk about fitness related topics since I can’t physically do them at the moment. Hence the start of the Body After Baby series I will share over the next month. 😀

Before I delve into those topics I want to discuss something else first. After my recent post on achieving my “best-shape” and sharing this set…

…of progress pictures from post-Makenzie, I began thinking more about the whole progress picture phenomenon.

The blog world is a very public place. I don’t mind so much the thought of having pictures like the above out there. The main thing I feel uncomfortable with is if sharing such pictures sends any sort of negative or inappropriate message. In the past 6 months there has been talk about blogger responsibility and posting such “progress pictures” falls into that role.

I don’t want my pictures to serve as a way to compare – either me comparing myself to others or others comparing to me. I don’t want my own personal “before” shots to be viewed as me unhappy with myself or that I view anyone with a similar physique as less than beautiful. I don’t want the focus to appear that I’m trying to look a certain way, over feel a certain health, strength, and vitality.

But…

I also know I refuse to use a scale in my post-baby fitness journey. I will need some sort of measure and pictures like the above greatly motivate me. I want to have the opportunity to show the changes that can happen in a body, without deprivation and overstressing the process. I also want to put myself out there every step of the way – as a means to lift up my body and its beauty in all appearances. The progress pictures would also serve as a reminder to myself to love and appreciate it for all it does, no matter how it looks in a photo. Because it is beautiful no matter what.

So, that’s where I’m at. Inappropriate or motivating? Thoughts?