See yourself the way THEY see you

Mama, you are so much more than what you see in the mirror.

Any of these sound familiar when you look in the mirror?

- What happened to my body?

- Where did these bags under my eyes come from?

- Will I ever get a minute to myself again?

- I look exhausted, I just need a little sleep!

- I can't wear this because of my mom body.

- How does my husband even find this attractive anymore?

- I've got to lose this baby weight

Ahh...the list could go on and on. But here is the truth. Your body went through an incredible journey to get you that child/those children that you have. Your body may have gone though a devastating loss. But would you ever trade the body you have now for the kiddos you have?

Next time you look in the mirror and want to start bashing yourself, I want you to think of 2 different things.

1. Would you want your kids to talk to themselves that way? Do you want them lifting up their shift and picking themselves apart? Do you want your child to tell themselves they are fat/not good enough/not desirable? Would you say the words you say to yourself, to them?

I imagine the answer to all of those questions is OF COURSE NOT!....so mama....stop staying them to yourself. You've got to lead by example. You've got to appreciate that body that you have, learn to love it - imperfections and all. Learn to embrace the new body that you have. It might not be easy every moment or every day, but when you catch yourself talking negatively - change it to something you LOVE about yourself and move on with your day.

2. Ask your kids to describe you one day, and then use those words to describe yourself. You might be surprised to discover that they don't say anything about your appearance (like I was), or you will be pleasantly surprised because the words they'll use are so loving and positive. Use those words to describe yourself every day <3 Look at yourself the way they look at you, love yourself the way they love you.

When I asked my kids to describe me, this is what they said:

- I love you more than anything in the whole wide world (Jaese)

- You are my best mom in the whole world (Kayla)

Nothing about my appearance - because my appearance doesn't describe me and it doesn't make me who I am. They love me - simply just as me.