A Mom Sees Herself Through The Eyes Of Her Children

I came across this story and it touched me so deeply. It brought tears to my eyes. I found it so loving, beautiful and powerful that I just needed to share it with you here.  Every woman deserves to feel beautiful. Every woman deserves to love her body. To hold her head high. To lift her face to the sun. To step out of the shadows. I invite you to be that woman!

This loving story was originally posted on http://bridgettetales.com

Flipping through the pictures on my phone, I see it.

My first reaction is shock. Who took this hideous picture of me?

Self-loathing and disgust swell up and threaten to bring me to tears.

Just as I am about to hit delete, my boy walks in the room.

“Do you know anything about this picture?” I ask him.

I turn the screen so he can see it. He smiles huge.

“I took that of you in Tahoe,” he says. “You looked so beautiful laying there. I couldn’t help it mom.”

“You need to ask me before using my phone to take pictures,” I say.

“I know,” he says. “But mom, seriously, look how pretty you look?”

I look at the picture again and try to see what he sees.

My daughter walks over and takes a look.

“That could be a postcard mom,” she says smiling. “Your so beautiful. I love it.”

I take a deep breath.

This is exactly what I needed.

My default mode is to see and focus on the flaws and imperfections. I’m starting to see a bit more.

I still see my dimply, fat thighs.

I also see a mom collapsed on the shore that just explored the lake for hours with her children.

I still see chubby arms.

I also see the arms of a mom that just helped her kids across the rocks and hot sand so their feet wouldn’t hurt.

I still see a fat woman wearing a black dress bathing suit to try to hide her weight issue.

I also see an adventurous mom that loves her children something fierce.

Like many women, I have struggled with my weight most of my life. It’s not something that will ever go away for me. I don’t have a naturally slim body. Never have.

Right now I’m the heaviest I’ve been in 10 years. Yet…

I have not let my weight stop me this time. I am wearing tank tops, sundresses and bathing suits in public. I’m running around playing with my kids this summer and I sometimes even feel attractive.

Yes. You heard me.

“I feel pretty. Oh so pretty. I feel pretty, and witty and bright.”

Well…not exactly. But something like that.

Is it because I’m getting older? Is it that I have more to worry about than just how I look? Or maybe it’s because my kids look at me with such adoring eyes.

Really, it doesn’t matter.

I don’t hate my body anymore.

That’s huge for me to admit and hard to even wrap my mind around.

I’m not giving up on exercising and getting healthy. Those are things I will continue to strive for because I want to be around awhile.

Right now though, I just want to love my body where it is. I want it to be OK to see myself the way my kids do.

Thank you kids.

It's Bell Lets Talk Day!!

Today is Bell Lets Talk Day here in Canada.

For every share, tweet or text, Bell Canada will donate  5¢ towards Mental Health Initiatives in Canada.

If Bell Mobility is your service provider - please send out as many texts as you possibly can today.

If you have a twitter account, please send out tweets with the #BellLetsTalk hashtag attached to each tweet.

If you are on facebook, please visit the Bell Canada page and share the following image with your friends.

It is time to take Mental Health out of the closet! Strip away the stigma. Often times people who battle with mental health issues are ashamed and therefore do not seek the treatment they so desperately need. You would not be embarrassed if you broke you leg, or if you were diagnosed with cancer, or if you got the flu. We need to strip away the shame associated with depression and other mental health issues that millions of people struggle with on a daily basis. The fact is that if you personally are not living with a mental health issue, than somebody you know is!

70% of teenagers will battle depression in their young lifetime. If you know someone who is withdrawn, who is suddenly opting to stay home instead of going to work or school. Someone who has suddenly changed their routine. Someone who suddenly does not want to take part in social activity. Someone who suddenly appears to be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, they may be struggling with depression and I encourage you to reach out to them!

It is time to join the conversation. Knowledge is power and experience is priceless - when you are dealing with depression, you can very alone and isolated. If you have battled depression or other mental health issues in your lifetime, please share your story with others who may be going through the exact same thing.

If you are currently experiencing depression or are facing another mental health crisis - please seek help immediately!

10 Tips For Better Sleep

Anatomy Of Walking

Make a step towards a healthier you!

Wynne, Won!!

Toronto native Kathleen Wynne has just won the liberal leadership race to replace out-going Premier Dalton Mcguinty.  Kathleen Wynne is the Premier Designate and will be Ontario's first female and openly gay Premier!!

Today is a great day for Ontario, and a great day for Canada, as the third ballot of the day was down to two strong, prominent women; Kathleen Wynne and Sandra Pupatello.  With the withdrawal of two candidates after the second ballot, both crossing the floor in support of Wynne, the third ballot resulted in a win for Wynne!!

Congratulations Madam Premier!!

I AM ...

Your First Home

A mark for every breath you took,

every blink, every sleepy yawn.

One for ever time you sucked your thumb,

waved hello, close your eyes and slept

in the most perfect darkness.

One for every time you had the hiccups,

one for ever dream you dreamed inside of me.

 

It isn't very pretty anymore. Some may even say its ugly

That's ok.

It was your home. It was where I grew to love you

where I laid my hand

as I dreamed about who you were and who you would be.

It held you until my arms could

and for that I will always find something beautiful in it.

Sharon Osbourne

The incomparable Sharon Osbourne announced that this past summer she had a double mastectomy after testing positive for the Breast Cancer Gene.

Today on The Talk, Sharon spoke about an interview she did with HELLO Magazine, and explained that she had sought medical attention when one of her implants had ruptured and leaked into the stomach.

 Following genetic testing for both her and Ozzy, It was discovered that in addition to the colon caner gene (which I am being tested for), Sharon tested positive for what is most probably the BRCA1 or BRCA2 Breast Cancer gene.  The exact gene was not specified, but having just gone through this very same testing myself - for the BRCA2,  I am very familiar with the mutations.

Sharon said this is not a "Woe Is Me" story, it is in fact a conscious decision that she made after having battled Colon cancer in the past and not wanting to put herself - her body - her family through a battle with Breast Cancer.  She instead opted for a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Sending a clear message to women everywhere and displaying yet another example of the never-ending strength that is Sharon Osbourne!!

Sisters in Womanhood

I saw this on a friend's page as I had once before.  Each time I read it - it touches me.  So ... it is time to share.

Time passes Life happens. Distance seperates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're suppose to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Career end. BUT.....SISTERS are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl is never farther away than needing her can reach.

WHEN you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. SOMETIMES, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

GIRLFRIENDS, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sister-in-laws, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, neices, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! THE world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure callled womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

EVERYday, we need each other still. There are more than twenty angels in this world. Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are playing. And one is reading her e-mail at this moment.

To ALL of the WOMEN in my life - PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE.  Thank YOU for being with me on this journey we call LIFE.  I LOVE You!! 

-Laura

Mirror, Mirror

This is an awesome safety tip that EVERYONE should be aware of.  Especially women!  Pay special attention to the mirrors in dressing rooms, restrooms, etc...  No Space?  Leave that place!!

(Click image for easier viewing)

TWO WAY GLASS IMAGE MIRROR IMAGE

Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is GENUINE mirror. 

However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE! IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR!

"No Space, Leave the Place" So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything.

REMEMBER. No Space, Leave the Place:

Because I AM A GIRL

The United Nations has declared today, October 11, 2012 is the 1st International Day of the GIRL  A critical and important day in the world!!

Be proud ladies and give our sisters a hand-up and a voice in the face of adversity!!

Why??

Because I AM A GIRL!!!

Polish

I thought this was very cool and worth a share for all of the ladies!!

(Click the image to enlarge for easier reading!)

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I am a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees,
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
The flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I am a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I am woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I am a woman.
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

~The Great Maya Angelou

Dagger and Arrow

Hey Y'all!

Just had to give a heads up to some wonderful new products, that happen to have been developed by my beautiful niece Noli!  Her new line of Organic Gourmet Hair Care Products come to you through her fabulous new site Dagger and Arrow.  Whether you are are in need of Gel, Spritz, Conditioner, Tips, Tricks, or a private - in person hair consultation, Dagger and Arrow is the place to go!!

Looking for Love for Your Locks?? Do yourself a favor and give Noli a shout!!

The Woman's Movement

Now, I want to start right off and say that I think the fact that women over the years have fought for equal rights - the right to vote - the right to educate - the right to even wear pants - work outside of the home ... for equal pay ... and so many other rights is a wonderful thing. However, I also believe that at the core of the human being is a structure that defies all of these desires for woman to be "equal" to man.

What do I mean by that? Simply - that although I DO believe men and women are equal as humans - as citizens - as people. As beings, I believe we each have very different roles in life.

I believe women were intended to be softer, the nurturer, the one in the relationship who turns that house into a home. Where as I believe that the man is the protector - being of a harder facade - I think it is clear and easily understood that the man is the one who would guard the family - take out the trash and shovel the driveway. While the woman is nurturing the family from within.

Now. I want to be clear. I am not suggesting that a woman cannot shovel the snow, protect her young, take out the trash. Only that I feel it is not the role of the woman to do so.

I think that is a part of the problem in today's families - the reason perhaps or at least a contributing reason to why there are so many more divorces today - compared to even 2 decades ago. The problem is that when a woman is too self-sufficient, the man begins to wonder what and where his place is within the family. What is his role? I believe this is part of the reason why men stray from the family. They seek to be needed - to be appreciated and valued. If the woman is doing 'everything' - why is he there?

Another problem comes when you have a woman who for whatever reason, must do 'everything' on her own. Simply because she is a single woman/mother and there just is no man around to do the 'man' role - so the woman must play both roles to maintain balance within the home. However, when that same woman then meets a man who is prepared to fulfill that role ... she may be reluctant to relinquish the role she has taken on ... simply because she is no longer able to feel confident that the duties will be carried out responsibly.

And so the vicious cycle begins. The woman does everything - meets a man - becomes incapable of allowing the man to move into his rightful 'role' within the home unit ... he begins to feel unneeded and strays .... thus the rise in divorce rates.

I am sure many women would disagree with me and perhaps even be resentful of my line of thought - but I think if they were honest with themselves ... even if unable to admit it out loud - they would agree that there is some truth to what I am suggesting.

So the trick would be in finding a balance where woman can be accepted as being equal to man - without emasculating a man and rendering him useless within the home. Leaving him to feel undervalued and craving a place where he can fulfill his duties or role within a home. And make no mistake - if you will not allow your man to feel like a man ... there is a woman down the road that will.

Bottom line, God created Man AND Woman - if women were intended to "do it all" then men would not exist. They are here for a reason and the sooner women catch on to this, I believe the happier we will all be.

Having said that, this does not suggest that men are more important or that women are subservient to men. Just simply that there is King and Queen - Prince and Princess - Adam and Eve for a reason. It takes two.

With the right balance - there is beauty - and there must be balance in nature - balance in the universe in order for harmony to exist. Even within the home.