When it came to loose skin on stomachs I felt like there were two types of people: those forced to accept it, and those who could afford a tummy tuck. I've been incredibly candid about my road to accepting my stretch-marked-loose-skin belly and much to my own surprise, a while ago I stopped saving up for that tummy tuck. I was finding joy and peace in my body. It was new and beautiful and I was excited to save money for something else - like a family vacation or home reno. Then I was offered a tummy tuck. For free. No longer was money in the equation. It was just me and my choice. What I would choose to do with loose skin from pregnancies and weight loss? Instead of being plagued with guilt and confusion over a decision such as this, I felt an overwhelming wave of protection over my journey, my body, and where I've come. I thought of all of you. Not in the way of feeling I would have let you down if I took it, but just knowing how supported and beautiful this community is. No matter what the body type. I didn’t feel I needed it anymore. Even more importantly - I didn’t feel I wanted it anymore. And if you think I would judge or disagree with anyone who DID do one, wrong. I think this is a VERY personal choice, and when made in love can be a strong tool to healing. Please, know that the women who choose this path are not "less", they are not "more" they are just choosing for THEM. We all deserve that authority over our own bodies. I support them. FULL STOP. But I wanted to share this, from a personal place, a personal choice, and decision, and from a place that I never thought I'd reach. Because it truly wasn't until this moment that I knew for sure that I was healing the hate I had for my body. A hate that I now realize even with the surgery would have shifted, I would have found a new way to hate on my body. Instead, I get to live, exist, breathe, eat, love and honor and experience my body in gratefulness for all it has done and continues to do. I am healing. And tears are streaming down my face as I say that. I am healing. This work, it's not for nothing. Remember that. Practice it. Invest in yourself and know how worthy you are. ❤️
