The naked truth

I stepped out my shower, looked at myself in the mirror and realized the naked truth…my body parts are aging! In my teenage years, I was too skinny. In my 20s, my skin was scarred and blotchy (thanks to chicken pox). In my 30s, back fat and dimpled thighs appeared and now that I’m 40, everything is heading south!!!

I exercise often, I’m vegetarian, I am a health conscious eater (when I’m not devouring desserts) and I meditate daily. Apart from gravity holding my breasts hostage, genetics seem to be responsible for my dimpled thighs and back fat. In spite of my efforts, my flaws are visible and difficult to accept. During my 40th year I’m journeying on the road to acceptance. At the end of this journey, I will embrace the body I was blessed with. My focus will be on health and not dress size. This is my body and I don’t get a do-over at least not for free. I’m too scared of surgery and my budget does not allow such an expense. My standard will be one that I set for myself and not what is echoed by the print and electronic media.

For now, I’ll continue to work hard to remain healthy and fit. I’ll eat the right things and be more disciplined in my workout. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to dedicate more than an hour to my exercise routine (to include more core strengthening). Until then, I’ll wear my spanx, padded, push-up bras and clothes that stretch. During this journey I hope to become a more confident, fabulous woman who exudes sexiness with my walk, charm and smile...…and when I forget, I’ll recite Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman as a reminder. Be healthy, be beautiful, be balanced and embrace your journey!!!

An excerpt of Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

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'm 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,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Resources: This book has four poems that inspired many women!