Overcoming Me

Nick Wilford is hosting a blogfest to raise awareness and funds for a good cause...and you don't have to donate anything but a few brain cells. You see...Nick is compiling the entries in an anthology for publication. Nick's stepson, Andrew, has cerebral palsy and all proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward Andrew's educational expenses.

Read Andrew's story and entry info here

My first son was born in April and a spring baby meant a quick turn around until swimsuit season. All through May I cut calories and walked hills until the scale said I was back to pre-baby weight.

Problem was...the scale was back to normal, but my body was forever, um, shifted. I mean I never had a six pack, but I was far better toned than the jelly belly pooch a baby expanded tummy left behind!! It was loose and squishy and jiggled when I laughed like Mrs. Clause after a cookie binge. 

It wasn't fair. 

I tummy crunched and aerobacized....whined and complained...bitched and moaned.

But even shrunken, the belly was a lovely land of stretch marks and loose skin.

Tragic, huh?

First of June I headed to the mall with my niece, Kari, to bathing suit shop. Brave girl. I dragged her to every shop in the mall. Tortured her with my incessant complaining and whimpering; ignored her assurances that I looked fine. No, I looked like a pig. Florescent lighting and fat mirrors in dressing rooms don't lie. 

Finally, I said screw it. Let's go for chocolate. I planned to hit the beach in a shorts and a tee-shirt instead.

On our way to the cookie hut, we passed a man with cerebral palsy. He walked on crooked legs, his ungainly stride supported by crutches. He smiled as we passed and offered the most cheerful hello. 

Instant face palm, Elizabeth  is a dork moment.

I was obsessing about a body that never failed me. Legs. Arms. Fingers, toes, eyes, ear, and nose...all in perfect working quality. 

As if reading my mind, my niece said, "Bet he would love to have your legs."

On that day, I learned a very important lesson: 

There is a difference between adversity and sniveling. 

And accepted that body do-able is far more precious than body beautiful.