It's been almost six months since I gave birth and I have been coming to terms with a new way of life. It has been a journey of contradictions. Most of the time, I feel the changes are beautiful. My nights are filled with poopy diapers, breast milk, mushy baby food, and being a complete goof ball just to get a smile out of my baby girl. It's so much fun and I am trying to soak in this wonderful phase of my life!
However, sometimes the media messages about body image get me a little down. I look at the changes pregnancy and birth have done to my body and wonder if I can ever look like what society says I should look like...ever!! But then I see things like the interview with Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen with Katie Couric, and others and it gives me hope that we're moving in the right direction and that we can change.
After all, society used to think this was hot...
This is the Venus of Willendorf, a statue carved sometime in the Upper Paleolithic era. It is one of the earliest images of the human body made by humankind. Many anthropologists believe she is a symbol of fertility and beauty. Her full figure would have been very desirable because she would be more likely to survive the harsh environment she lived in. She would be most likely to reproduce and bear children. As my freshman biology professor always said, "It's all about sex!"
So, whenever I get down about myself, I just think of the Venus of Willendorf and remember, my child-bearing hips have given me the best gift I could ever ask for...
...this beautiful girl!
