Love Letter to My Body

I have faced so many of life's challenges, as I'm sure many have. But these challenges have really taught me the meaning of "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." I've battled with chronic illness and even came close to death a few times, but through God's grace and mercy I am still here to share my story. I have suffered for nearly 10 years with a terminal illness called Pulmonary Hyypertension (PH). This illness has challenged my body in ways that I had never dreamed. It has also shown me that I have unboundable strength that I had never realized. For that I am thankful and I try not to beat myself up and/or disrespect my body because it is no longer a size 5. I say disrespect in the sense that I have to try real hard not to get caught up with society's view of healthy. Everyone can't be a size 2, 5 or 7. Although I strive to lose weight and become healthier, I have to consciously remind myself to not denigrate myself. So in retrospect, here is my love letter to MY body.

Oh how I love thee.

To my feet, THANK YOU for carrying me and my extra baggage when there were times that you would have preferred to be carried.

To my legs, especially my thighs THANK YOU for not just being a show off piece. For understanding the cause behind your neglect, but that I am working to give you the attention you so richly deserve and bring you back to maybe not your former self, but a better self.

To my butt, THANK YOU for providing me with cushion to rest my weary body after "feet" have been exhausted beyond their limit. I know that sometimes, I rest and depend on you too much, but I vow to YOU, to work at making you rise to be the true beauty that you are.

To my stomach, THANK YOU for being a true-blue friend. No matter what the storm, you were always there for me. You comforted me and even held more than your fair share. That was very selfish of me, not to consider your pain and anguish when I put too much sustenance in you, more than anything, you stood by out of love and offered your support when what you really wanted to do was, tell me "you'd had enough." You may not be the flattest of them all, no that job goes to butt, but you have been loyal.

To my breasts, well you just have always been the attention seeker and have surpassed any vision that I may have had for you, and all on your own. And for that I am thankful because not every girl can be as blessed as I to have two independent, go-getters in their corner.

To my shoulders, you have often been overlooked, but I promise to take you out more and show you off.

To my arms, THANK YOU for being strong and helping to carry the load.

To my back, I never realized how important you are to me. When I keep you strong, you help me to stand tall in the face of all things. I had no idea how close your friendship is with stomach and that I must give you both equal attention.

To my eyes, ears, fingers, toes, heart, lungs, kidneys and all other parts and pieces. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate each and every one of you all for your own reasons. You guys have guided me and been there in ways that I can never repay, but I promise to work hard at making you proud and showing my much needed appreciation to you. I cherish the beautiful sights and sounds that you have allowed me to experience. I have an immeasurable abundance of love and joy. More than anything, it feels great to just BE.

INHALE. EXHALE. INHALE deep. EXHALE slowly. Aaaah, how beautiful. Thank you my loves, I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to realize the unique beauty that you all bring into my life. I will be internally, externally and forever grateful. And I promise to be a better caretaker for you as you have been for me.

Your loving and honored friend.

I hope this letter inspires women to appreciate the God given beauty that they are and respect that which they have. We all know that it takes all kinds in this world, so instead of stressing about being smaller, taller, shorter, thinner, darker, lighter, whiter or whatever, let's focus that energy on being better, healthier and happier. To what thanks do you owe your body?