“Do You Ever Think You Look Good, And Then You’re Like ‘Holy Moly I Ate Too Much Gaucamole?'”

And, one notion that this new (better?) me is reminding myself of is that I look good when my heart and soul feel good.

And, on top of that, if I’m focused on making those things happen, then whether or not I’ve got a pooch, or some cellulite couldn’t matter less.

It’s taken 34 years, a seesawing weight, a global health pandemic, supportive people in my corner, and lots of positive affirming self-talk to realize that sometimes when you feel you look good, but then you see a picture of yourself and think you don’t, all you have to do is see yourself through the eyes of the person who snapped that photo of you.

this …

For the one who captured this image saw nothing other than a gorgeous woman, mothering her kids as she does best, while laudably rocking the life-giving body that helped her to carry and now relentlessly continues to help raise those three little babies, and her grandbabies.

Am I the best shape of my life? No.

Do I look amazing? No.

But am I amazing? HELL FREAKIN’ YES.

And you are, too, so don’t you ever forget it.”

**Written by Nicole Merrit of Jthreenme.