Today I want to get a little personal for a minute. I keep things pretty upbeat here and often if I'm having a bad day I just put on my mask and I don't really put it out here. But I came to a realization yesterday and I want to talk about it just a little bit. Grab a cup of coffee. Let's chat.
My outfit yesterday started out as a bit of a fail for me and it was very simple to fix, but in the process I learned something. I've got some mild body image issues right now. Yes I am thrilled to be pregnant and yes I realize a changing body is part of that process - but I think I've been kind of trying to hide from it a little bit. I looked back over the last month or so since I've been showing more and I've been very hit or miss with my style. Some days I think I've hit the nail on the head but others I can tell that I'm almost trying to disguise or hide the bump. There really isn't any reason to do that. Everyone knows at this point. What am I ashamed of?
I'm not ashamed at all. I think part of it is, I said from the beginning I wouldn't turn this blog into a pregnancy blog. I didn't want to inundate you guys with all that stuff because I know some bloggers find that to be a turn off. So I think I was letting that spill over into how I was dressing - "I'm not talking about the pregnancy too much so I should disguise it in what I'm wearing". I don't have to do that. I can still dress appropriately without sharing every last detail about what's currently going on.
The other thing is it has been an adjustment. I prided myself on being someone who was in shape and who worked hard at maintaining their body type/weight. And this has been a very easy pregnancy, to the point where I even forget at times that I am pregnant - then I look in the mirror and it's a little shocking to say the least. I have to remind myself - there is a reason for this change and it's only temporary. I know my body may never be exactly the same, but I can work at getting it back after the fact. And the reward - a sweet cuddly baby of my own to love forever - is worth every last bit. Gotta keep my eyes on the prize.
Sweater - Arizona Jean Co, JCPenney
Tank top - Old Navy
Skirt - Liz Lange Maternity, consignment
Necklace - Swap w/CC
Sandals - Italian Shoe Maker, from cousin
So, I think I've reached a peaceful place where I am going to embrace my bump and try to dress more without fear. And you know what, I may still crash and burn some days, this is a total learning experience, but I'll keep learning as I go. And the further along I'm getting, the more and more this pregnancy is a part of my daily life and it may get harder to not talk about - and if that loses me some readers, so be it. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to. Or something like that. I so appreciate the love and support so many of you have shown me so far. And I especially want to thank Cara for her comment yesterday and the blog she pointed me to that truly helped me realize it's time to start embracing this phase of my life. You helped me more than you can know Cara!
And that ends our serious coffee chat for today. Thank you for letting me put it out there. In more upbeat Bethie news, today is my Friday already, you can't beat that - a short week right after a week's vacation? Heck yeah!!
