How do you feel about your physical appearance? How can you show your body more love and appreciation?
This is a loaded question. I have cerebral palsy with left-sided hemiparesis. Society, members of my family, doctors, and others have been telling me that there is something wrong with me and my appearance since infancy.
For the longest time. I believed that narrative. Even as I was proving them wrong, I only saw the “broken.”
Today, through lots of rehab and mental health therapy, lots of reparenting myself, listening/believing the people telling me what they see.
I am in awe of the things my body can do. Even with my weak side… I exercise often. I hike, I ride bikes, I’ve kickboxed, trained in Krav Maga, drive, take care of myself, and my family and so much more.
I am definitely not skinny, that’s to be expected with my age and the fact that I didn’t always take care of myself. But, I am strong and getting stronger. I am capable, and I learn more every day. I love that when I get ready for the day, I show up as my authentic self. Gone are the days of the days of long hair… dresses, makeup that doesn’t reflect my personality. Short hair, androgynous clothes, and embracing all my quirks… as the song says: Take me or leave me. I like who I am.
I show my body appreciation by taking care of it. I eat when I’m hungry. I drink water and other beverages. I move every day. And, I don’t listen to others. I stand in my strength and knowledge that I am the person I’m supposed to be.
Indomitable Bellatrix 