SPECIAL THANKS TO _OHBRENDA_ FOR INSPIRING THIS…follow her!

“How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin—that’s what really makes you beautiful.”
putting on for social media isn’t my thing. I don’t feel the need to show off what I look like (or don’t look like) after having my son. I politely smile & nod when others make a scene but I am no different from any other mother who has struggled with her postpartum body.

here’s an FYI for some: TELLING SOMEONE THEIR INSECURITY IS FOOLISH/ UNWARRANTED DOES NOT HELP. AND IT MOST DEFINITELY DOES NOT MAKE IT

GO AWAY.

just because others don’t notice what you are self conscious about doesn’t mean you’re crazy. insecurities are [IN]ternal. they are personal & often times, others may not understand them. that’s why they have to be conquered on a personal level. feeding off of others won’t help. trust me, I’ve tried. ie: while others were congratulating me on my snapback, I mourned the thickness I had before my pregnancy. WHO KNEW?!

my path to positive self image since then has been an interesting one to say the least. at first, I let other people’s opinions & praises fuel my “confidence” & I stayed in a crop top 🙄. then, I got down on myself for not having a six pack w/o my awkward mommy pudge (that’s what I call it) once Q turned 1 🙄🙄. a few other phases followed but praise God, I finally found my happy place 😌. I LOVE my stretch marks (i wish you could see them better in that pic) & small frame now because they are a constant reminder of my incredible journey through pregnancy. my new body –including my stretch marks & awkward mommy pudge — is physical evidence of the changes and growth that can not be seen.

Motherhood has taught me more about myself than I cared to learn 😕😂 & given me a brand new perspective on life. As my son grows, so does my gratitude for this role God has placed me in. I now find beauty in what I once considered a plight. I once felt burdened by motherhood for many reasons but now, I value the strength that has come from every challenging time. that includes the strength I found to love me in all of my glorious imperfection! my body, my face, my hair & most importantly my inner self. my stubbornness & sensitivity, my cutthroat attitude & compassion.. I love it all 😊

so if you see me parading about, stretch marks and all, just know I’m probably feeling like Beyoncé and nobody else has to like it 😎💁🏾