Mom’s Vibe
By Krystle J. Bailey
“Dad bods” are cool and all, but what about us? Why don’t moms get the same societal pass that dads get about their beer-loving, BBQ-eating summer bodies? Let’s flip the script, Shore Local moms.
If we all revolt together, we can truly change the expectation for our generation of women and the generation that we are raising. Gone are the days of “perfect” bodies, covered bodies, and hated bodies. Now is our time to rise up and declare abundant self love and acceptance for these “mom bods.”
This summer, wear the bathing suit, take off the cover ups, and set yourself free. You deserve to feel as beautiful as you are. Considering we’ve all been brainwashed to hate our bodies for so long, I know it takes constant self work but we are worth the effort.
This summer, as you head to the beaches, pools, and BBQ’s, carry these four Mom-Bod Mantras with you or add some of your own to your repertoire. However you show up, do it boldly and unapologetically. You are uniquely your own and entirely worthy of love, happiness, and freedom.
“I am in charge of how
I feel today”
You are the boss. You are in charge of schedules and household activities, chore lists, and discipline. Don’t forget in the midst of the chaos that you are also in charge of how you feel today. You get to decide how you think, how you feel, the words you use with yourself in the mirror. You get to decide all of it! It is entirely up to you. When you find yourself spiraling with negative thoughts, pause to remind yourself that you run the entire show – yourself included.
“I am more than this body”
Your eyes have the ability to connect. Your lips kiss and comfort your babies, your arms hug your family, your hands create your art, your shoulders comfort your friends. You are so much more than what your body looks like. You embody truths, passion, purpose, and power that are so much more important than if you needed a bigger bathing suit this summer. Your body is simply the home for all that you are to this world.
“Happiness isn’t size specific”
I know we all have goals and journeys that we travel. This mantra is your reminder that happiness doesn’t come in a bathing suit size. Don’t wait until you “arrive” at a goal to find your happiness. Choose happiness today. It already belongs to you! You have the power to cultivate that happiness. Your body is the least interesting thing about you, remember that.
“I grow humans”
Whether you birthed your children, adopted, foster, or whatever other unique mothering situation you find yourself in, you still grow humans. Every day you wake up with tiny humans who demand your time, love, and attention. You nourish and provide for them every day of your life and let’s be honest, raising humans is no small feat. As moms we often get the short end of the stick when it comes to “extra” time, especially this past year. As you put on your bathing suit during these summer months, don’t forget your Supermom cape!
However you show up in your skin this summer, it is my hope that you will feel free, happy, and beautiful. You deserve every bit of what this world has to offer, especially LOVE.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet
KrystleJBailey.com
