I am a Woman and my body is amazing!

I was sitting on my exercise bike this afternoon and in front of me are pictures of my children and a single photo of my oldest son who passed away. Looking at the photo of the four of us together, I found myself marvelling – not for the first time – that I was able to create those three people. That my body carried within it and nurtured three babies, gave birth to them and fed them.

This body nourished those children, these arms wrapped around them when they were scared or sad, whether they were small children or adults. Whatever age they are they will always be my babies and will always be in my heart no matter what.

This body has taken me up mountains with my husband, it has walked through snow, it has walked in the heat of a summers day. It has carried me along riverbanks and country lanes making memories with my husband.

This body has worked in our garden to make a haven created by love and hard work. It has baked and cooked gifts of love for those I care about. It has helped me in so many ways to experience so many things and to create memories that last a lifetime.

This body is ageing now, it is wracked with pain from arthritis and my new friend Parkies and both make me tired and cause me pain. So, I wonder if I could try to think differently about my body and remember all that it has done for me? If I had a friend who was suffering pain and feeling vulnerable, would I criticise them or would I support them? If they were doing their best, but they sometimes lacked the strength to do things for me would I be cross with them?

This body. This 62-year-old body has done it’s best over the years. It has got me through wonderful times and difficult times. Perhaps, if I remember how it has done so much for me, like a good and close old friend I need to recognise it’s contribution. It is the only body I will ever have and like a vintage car – which is valued for it’s age and character – it should be valued.

Like a vintage car, it may need a spare part or two – like maybe a few finger joints and the odd knee – but that doesn’t make it any less valuable.

I am a woman – and whatever age I am – my body is amazing and deserving of my love, not my criticism.

I will try to remember that.