Alright, real talk, ladies. Scrolling through Instagram after dropping the kids off at school used to be a mindless scroll. Now, between the perfectly sculpted bodies doing impossible yoga poses and the endless stream of 20-something influencers in bikinis, I can’t help but feel a pang of… well, something.
It’s not full-blown jealousy (although, let’s be honest, a little wouldn’t hurt). It’s more like a creeping sense of “where did my body go?” after 25 years, seven kids, and the ever-present reminder that gravity isn’t playing fair anymore.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my body. It’s carried me, birthed miracles, and endured the chaos of motherhood with surprising grace. But that doesn’t mean I’m immune to the constant bombardment of unrealistic expectations.
Here’s the thing: those Instagram models? They’ve likely got access to top-notch trainers, chefs, and enough filters to launch a spaceship. Meanwhile, I’m wrangling juice boxes, dodging rogue Legos, and thanking the heavens if I manage a shower that doesn’t involve sharing the water with a curious toddler.
So, I’m calling a truce with the comparison game. This mama is done feeling like a deflated version of what I see online. My body might not be the same as it was in my 20s, but it’s strong, capable, and has a story etched in every stretch mark and wrinkle.
Here’s my new mantra:
- Focus on what my body can DO: I can run after a rogue toddler, carry overflowing grocery bags, and give the best bear hugs known to mankind. That’s pretty darn impressive.
- Celebrate the journey: My body has been through a lot, and it deserves respect and appreciation, not just for its appearance.
- Curate my feed: Filling my social media with positive body image influencers and content that celebrates real women (in all their shapes and sizes) is a game-changer.
This isn’t about pretending I don’t see the airbrushed perfection online. It’s about acknowledging the unrealistic portrayal and choosing to focus on what truly matters: my health, my strength, and the incredible things my body allows me to do every single day.
So, the next time I catch myself comparing my reflection to the latest fitness influencer, I’m giving myself a mental high five. This body is a warrior, a nurturer, and the foundation of the amazing life I’ve built. And that’s something worth celebrating, filter-free.
