The first time, with a headless, outdated preggo belly shot, and the second time completely starkers with a strategically placed toddler covering my nudie bits. I felt amazingly empowered after participating the last two times so I just had to do it again.
A month ago I started to take care of myself (took my time, right?). I've been eating better and have even been attempting to push through the whole boring chronic pain thing to walk places. Granted it is at such a slow pace that Mavis and Gladys overtake me on their Zimmer frames and any cardiovascular benefits are moot, but that's completely beside the point. The point is I'm trying (I'm very trying). And it's working. I feel better.
This week I had a little heath scare. It's more "annoying and expensive" than "life and death". Almost a year to the day when I asked if it would take such a thing for me to start looking after myself. So, yeah. Fabulous timing, body, thanks for that. But I'm using it as motivation to keep going with what I've been doing and not lose sight of why I'm doing it... because I want my body to be healthy. Because we all realize relying on my mind to be healthy is just not feasible.
So do I love my body? Yeah, sometimes. When I put in effort, stand up tall, smile and really pay attention to the things that matter. It's put up with a lot over the years and ideally I'd like it to put up with a bit more in the future. So I have to love it. It's the only one I've got:
I know what you're thinking: does this woman ever wear clothes? Take me to the pool and I'm covered up, stick me on the Interwebz and I'm an exhibitionist. Sans toddler this time because it was well after his bedtime when I shoved a camera in to Map Guy's hands and asked him to take this. Plus wearing toddlers as a nudie-bit coverer is sooo 2011.
The three things I love about my body:
- My breasts. Yep, on the list for three years running, these boozies deserve a medal. They're slightly smaller this year thankfully, and can now fit in to regular bras from regular shops. Sometimes. They're also still producing milk for the Trickster.
- My eyebrows. They might be uneven thanks to some over zealous waxing in my younger years, but they're pretty good at not being a monobrow or looking like two caterpillars stuck to my head. I've also recently managed to lift only one eyebrow so I can give the perfect "WTF?!" look. That in itself makes them worthy of a spot on this list.
- My tattoos. They totally count as a part of my body since they are there forever (or until expensive laser removal). I am still insanely in love with the tattoo on my arm. After wanting it for years and years I'm surprised that I sometimes forget its even there. Then I'll catch a glimpse of it in the mirror when I'm brushing my teeth and I can't help but smile.
Do you heart your body?
This campaign is such a wonderful thing. I'm late to the party again, as usual and am having a bleh week... so I might just wait until next year to join in. But I can't wait to read everyone's posts.
ReplyDeleteYou Glow, are one gorgeous, sexy Mumma! I admire your courage to nude up like that. I think if I did something similar, my crafty readers would freak out! lol
Much Love xo
Gorgeous glow. I'm going to do it this year. My post will be up later. X
ReplyDeleteGlow; I love that you participate each year! I love your images and your words every year. Thank you for your support, it means so much to me xx
ReplyDelete[Carly ~ Creator of WHL]
I've always had a very up and down relationship with my body, but since having my daughter I definitely see it in a whole new light. I love it for the gift of my little girl, and the ability to use my body to nourish and comfort her. It might not always be what I want to look at in the mirror but it's amazing nonetheless and I am trying harder to remind myself of that every day. I love your post, and I am feeling so totally inspired by all the posts people have been sharing today. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteWow-very tasteful nudie photo. I am late to the campaign as well. I'm glad you remembered to think of the things you love about your body.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to do it too! I'm not sure I can pull off the nudie shot like you though! We are on a healthy lifestyle kick too, and I feel Soooo much better for it!
ReplyDeleteI heart your hair and smile, Glow. You are awesome. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI also took part this year.
Love you Glow. You made me chuckle and then smile and then nod a lot. You are gorgeous, in every single way possible xx
ReplyDeleteSuch as beautiful photo, you look so comfortable in your own skin! The power of a well-timed WTF eyebrow should not be underestimated, it's one of my favourite weapons ;)
ReplyDeleteAh you did it again!! Go you! I wished I was comfortable enough to take a photo of myself naked. You look amazing :) I'm thinking of getting a tatt soon too. Maybe to add to the things I love about my body for next year. ;)
ReplyDeleteNo, I do not. but I love your posts and this photo is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteDamn! Gorgeous you! **woof whistles**
ReplyDeleteHotty McHotHot thy name is Glowless.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Glow, the WHL I Heart My Body Queen returns. Great post lady, I think in your recap of past years it says a lot about the stages we go through with our bodies. The love, the meh and all the stuff in between. And it's got your hot naked self in it again. That's a win.
ReplyDeleteTattooed, hairtastic and beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteGODDESS and total spunk x
ReplyDeleteAmazing. You really are. Thanks for being you glow, you inspire us all. xox
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to finish writing this comment and go practice lifting one eyebrow. See what you've started? You look so hot!
ReplyDeleteI don't think a woman can look any more beautiful and confident than you Glow.
ReplyDeleteYou make me happy in mah pants. Is that creepy? ;) Oh Glow, you are so divine and I think I just fell in love with you that little bit more because you said moot. Sure, you didn't mean it in the way I do when I say it but hey, a moot's a moot. Ok, enough immaturity from me x
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing :)
ReplyDeleteYou're gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh, see i couldn't get my hubby to take my photo because he wouldn't let me put a nekkid photo of myself on the interwebs. So I had to do it behind his back. Your hubby is awesome. As is the photo.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photo! You look gorgeous and I envy that you are brave enough to do this. I wish I could. Maybe next year. Rachel xx
ReplyDeleteYour cray cray woman. But I love that in you. You are very beautiful. Its nudity but very sophisticated. I can imagine what it would be if you had tricky. we would see a nip slip every now and then.
ReplyDeleteI heart your body too! I read your post this morning, went and sat in front of my mirror in same pose, but there were too many bumps and dimples, I felt like a pile of ricotta. But you inspired me and so I wrote a post, and referenced you. So thank you for being a gorgeous and inspiring woman. x
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely gorgeous, and HOLY GOD woman I love that tattoo. I've had mine for 2 years now on my foot, and every time I see it, it makes me smile too xx
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous Glow and I LOVE that you are so comfortable to share this pic with us. And even more annoying then how fabulous you look naked is the fact you can lift one eyebrow. I have been trying to master that for years x
ReplyDeleteI love your photo and your tattoo- I love how tattoos become part of our bodies xxx
ReplyDeleteIf I looked that good naked, I'd struggle to wear clothes :-)
ReplyDeleteToo many times I had thought, "If only there was a real need to give up chocolate/coke/etc, then I would have the motivation to do so. Then life gave me a real need and it worked. Now I am trying to do it without the medical incentive!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous and confident in the pic. :-)
Your eyebrows are indeed fabulous, I've always been envious of those who can do the whole 'one-brow lift'. I believe it would take my rampant sarcasm and bouts of incredulity to new levels. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous, gorgeous and totes hot!!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, beautiful inside and out Glow! Looking after ourselves can be a battle but in the long run is worth the effort. Of course, looking after myself means including a regular (if moderate) supply of chocolate and baked goods :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great photo Glow. I loved this post and that tattoo, beautiful. x Laura
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!! You are gorgeous and I love your tattoo! Excellent post xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo Glo and a great post. x
ReplyDeleteYou are gorgeous! Great photo. Love the tatt!
ReplyDeleteAlways amazing Glow you rock the nekkid pose (cannot say like a pro).
ReplyDeleteLucky Trickster still getting boobie milk.
I love this photo, and what a cool tattoo:) I hope some light will soon be shed on your health scare very soon. I agree, things like that are always a huge wake up call.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. Wake up calls can be good, so I'm keeping positive about it all x
ReplyDeleteYep, still on the good stuff!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I tried visiting your site but it won't show up in my browsers - I have that problem with a few sites so it's not you, it's me.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Lee! x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh!
ReplyDeleteNot bad for sitting in my wardrobe in front of the painting that normally hangs on the wall ;-)
ReplyDeleteChocolate and baked goods are mandatory!! xx
ReplyDeleteHehe thanks Amelia :)
ReplyDeleteYour belief is right on the money. Even for a novice eyebrow lifter like me it increases the effects of sarcasm by 300%.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard one, isn't it? Having a medical reason is so motivating but kinda shit at the same time!
ReplyDeleteFuck I love you :-D
ReplyDeleteIt's very me. Wanted it ever since my sister said the words to me years ago when I was really struggling and had to spend time in hospital.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a master eyebrow manipulator... but I'm determined to keep trying! I will probably have uneven wrinkles now :P
ReplyDeleteI love tattoos. I would get more if I didn't think my job prospects would be affected. As it is I have to cover this one with a bandage for my new job.
ReplyDeleteWell you should know Kelly that I was sitting up straighter than I ever have to try and keep the bumps to a minimum!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think you were innocent for a second Salz! Oooh no, not after seeing your grin in person!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel! I think it's not so much bravery as stupidity mixed with exhibitionism. Hehe :)
ReplyDeleteI love that he didn't bat an eyelid when I asked him to take the photo and told him where it was going. He knows what he got himself in to when he married me :P
ReplyDeleteThanks Marissa!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Kylie :)
ReplyDeleteBwahahahaha a moot moot is not a moot moot when you're happy in the pants xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Laney. It was so liberating to take part in this x
ReplyDeleteOh Tat, go stand in front of the mirror and keep practicing. I've been so jealous of my sister for years and now I can do it. Though she can do it MUCH better!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jac xx
ReplyDeleteNot a spunky as you!
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me, I need to get my hair redone :) xx
ReplyDeleteIt's such an ever changing feeling. I'd love it if I could be all love all the time, but I know it's not realistic. Mainly because hormones make me cranky.
ReplyDeleteTee hee hee *blush*
ReplyDeleteIf I had pretty bras like you do, I would have just worn those.
ReplyDeleteThanks Toushka. I get it, I really do x
ReplyDeleteYes, what should I do next year? I'm thinking a wetsuit to break with tradition. I'm so pro-tattoo, I say go for it!
ReplyDeleteI felt disproportionately happy when I first started doing it, but now I want to be able to do it better so I can use it as a weapon like you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine :) A chuckle, a smile and a nod mean my work here is done xx
ReplyDeleteYAY! I'm so glad I could inspire you :)
ReplyDeleteAs tasteful as it gets in my wardrobe at 10:30pm :P
ReplyDeleteI'm always so amazed at the transformation we go through when we become mothers. That our bodies can produce such amazing creatures and nourish them is outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me again, Carly x
ReplyDeleteGood on you, Vic xxx
ReplyDeleteOK so I have visions of you naked, but wrapped in a patchwork quilt... too much? :P xx
ReplyDeleteI totally heart your body. It's beautiful. Mwah.
ReplyDelete