“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.

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.