Sometimes I get a little glum for a moment. Not for long - just a quick minute or two.
Usually after looking at my pregnant naked ass in a mirror. (Why do I do that to myself again? Ignorance is bliss. Must remember that.)
Anywho. So I'll feel a little "ugh" for a second or two. Which I find generally leads to two very different reactions:
Reaction 1: I enter into a deep, deep shame spiral where I start wondering when or if I'll ever be within my healthy weight range again and ends with me screaming "WHY ME??" to the heavens as I point at my stretch marks.
Reaction 2: I realize that people all over the world are dying or starving or dealing with horrible things, so the fact that my thighs are lumpy is really a minor detail and I should shut the eff up before someone slaps me.
The other day, I was feeling frumpy and tired and sorry for myself. But before Reaction 1 or Reaction 2 could start rolling into action, I sent the hubster a quick note. (I was bordering on the shame spiral and felt the need to repent for my sins.) So I emailed him this:
"I know I've been tired, sick and kind of irritable lately. Just wanted you to know that I love and appreciate you."
The hubster replied within a few minutes. With this:
"I love you too. I know this pregnancy has been a hard one and we both are tired, pretty much all the time. There's an end in sight, just a couple more months. I'm so happy you're my wife. I'm so happy you're Anna's Mom. Love you forever."
And that was it. That was all I needed.
When life gets me down, when I'm embarrassed or blah about how I look and how I feel, sometimes I just need someone to tell me they love me.
That's what we all need and want, isn't it?
I don't care who you are, how gorgeous your body is, or what material things you've got, rolling around naked in a million dollars on your 300-thread count luxury sheets ain't going to feel as good as being told you're loved. Being told that you're good enough. That someone thinks you're perfect just as you are.
So, there's no need to slap me. I get it now. Andrew loves me. Anna loves me. And I love them.
Shame spiral averted - just in time for Thanksgiving. How appropriate.
I'm a lucky lady. I know who I'm giving thanks for this weekend.
I love reading your stuff! We are so lucky to have our beautiful families :) Happy thanks giving to you, Andrew and Anna!
ReplyDeleteIt is heartwarming to know that my beautiful daughter has what she deserves, love, support, happiness, fabulous husband and absolutely breath taking daughter! There is much to be thankful for in our family :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post and photo! You're gorgeous. However, I can completely relate to how you're feeling (and I'm not even pregnant- though I wish I was as that was the only time I had a tight tummy!). The same things help me: the love and reassurance that my husband doesn't find me repulsive and also that I'm lucky that I even have a fully functioning, healthy body to complain about.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great writing! :)