To the doctor who gasped, made a face and said they were the worst stretch marks he’d ever seen, while giving me a breast exam:
Sure, I use to let comments like yours “put me in my place”. I use to be sad because I couldn’t remember what my tummy looked like before being 16 and pregnant. I use to look at women with perfect toned skin after also having 4 babies and thought “Why can’t I have a “normal” body like hers?”. I used to hide my stomach from the people closest to me.
Then I stopped thinking those thoughts and replaced them with MY truth.
These marks aren’t scars to be ashamed of. They are incredible reminders of what my body has been capable of. I am grateful for the strength that I developed while accumulating these beautiful lines, like my own unique tattoo. Each one is part of a story. My story. My kids’ story.
I took 1,680 injections into this tummy during my pregnancies so that I could carry the beautiful babies that were housed there. I earned these marks.
I also realized that there are women out there who want to have stretch marks like mine and it put thinks into perspective.
So, doctor with terrible bedside manner… what I would say to you now is “Yeah, I’m pretty badass, huh?”
I haven’t worn a bikini in 20 years. The only time I wore one, was the first summer my parents let me, when I was 15. I’ve made a promise to myself that this year will be the year I don’t hide. I will be wearing a bikini this summer and I’m going to rock the heck out of it.
Women’s bodies are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. If you do anything for yourself this year, let it be learning how to be comfortable in your skin.
Peace, Love & Stretch Marks
-M
