Today I asked my body what she needed,
Which is a big deal
Considering my journey of
Not Really Asking That Much.
I thought she might need more water.
Or protein.
Or greens.
Or yoga.
Or supplements.
Or movement.
But as I stood in the shower
Reflecting on her stretch marks,
Her roundness where I would like flatness,
Her softness where I would like firmness,
All those conditioned wishes
That form a bundle of
Never-Quite-Right-Ness,
She whispered very gently:
Could you just love me like this?
Words by Hollie Holden
Incredible crochet art by Yulia Ustinova
Oh my goodness- I think Yulia has been peeking at me while I’m in the shower😊. My legs might not be as large as that but full marks for the rest of the body shape.
ReplyDeleteHollie really does mimic most of us wanting to be loved for what we are rather than how others would like us to be
What a wonderful poem and crocheted art!
ReplyDeleteWonderful - just wonderful. Thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteThat just made me cry-thank you for sharing the wonderful poem. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThis looks just like me in the shower! At 74, overweight and all. But each morning I count my blessings after suffering a spinal infarction in 2019 and being paraplegic for a few months and thinking I wouldn't walk again, but I did with massive help from a wonderful physio department at our local hospital and perseverance and lots of swearing from me, so yes I can love my body just as it is. I love this post thank you Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteVery powerful- thank you Sue
ReplyDelete- and the skill of the crafting is amazing
Country Cook
What a powerful post. That crochet is mind blowing!
ReplyDeleteI've loved my body ever since I was wheeled out of theatre after my total hip replacement on 6th January, 2006 and treasure my 14" scar. I shall continue to exercise it every day, to not to care for it after that operation totally changed my life would be an insult to the NHS. xxx
Amen to all of that.
ReplyDeleteSince being ill my body no longer looks how I expected. BUT it is my body, the only one I am ever likely to have, it is getting stronger every day and is bloody marvellous. Without it I would be in a right b*ggers-muddle and I do my best to take care of it every day.
How did you get my photograph of me in the shower???LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha that's just what I thought!!
DeleteHow lovely, words and pic x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I think most of us - well, certainly us women - have trouble accepting ourselves as we are. From a young age there's this peer and media pressure to conform to unrealistic stereotypes. Which is downright bloody annoying!
ReplyDeleteAs someone diagnosed with, and battling against, Atypical Anorexia and ME/CFS that hits very hard indeed.
ReplyDelete