Dear Body,
I write this to express my most sincere apologies. I have not always treated you with the love and respect you deserve, and for that, I am deeply sorry. Throughout the years, I have neglected your needs, abused your resilience, and failed to appreciate your true worth. I have subjected you to harsh judgments, unrealistic expectations, and disappointment.
Today, on my 41st birthday, I take responsibility for my actions and the pain I have caused you.
Body, I am sorry for the times I neglected your needs, pushing you beyond your limits and ignoring your cries for rest and nourishment. I pushed you to the point of exhaustion, demanding more and more, never taking a moment to truly listen to what you were telling me or considering the consequences. You have been with me since the very beginning, faithfully carrying me through each day, and yet, I have failed to appreciate your incredible resilience. I have focused on your flaws instead of celebrating your strengths. In doing so, I have disregarded the amazing things you have done for me. In moments of doubt and insecurity, you have been my anchor, reminding me of my worth and potential. You have carried me through storms, offering solace and reminding me of my inherent strength.
I am sorry for the hurtful words and thoughts I have directed towards you. I have criticized and berated you relentlessly, focusing solely on your perceived flaws and imperfections. I realize now that my words were destructive, chipping away at your self-worth and leaving scars that will take time to heal.
For far too long, I allowed society's unrealistic standards to cloud my judgment, forgetting that true beauty lies in the uniqueness and diversity of all bodies. In a world that tries hard to dictate what is considered beautiful and perfect, you have stood steadfastly by my side, reminding me of the unique and exquisite being that I am. Your curves, your lines, your imperfections—each one tells a story of a life well-lived and lessons learned.
I am sorry for the times, before I knew better, that I starved you, denying you the nourishment you needed to thrive. I succumbed to the pressures of unattainable ideals, and in doing so, I disregarded your basic needs for sustenance and vitality. I failed to recognize that your worth is not determined by a number on a scale or the shape of your silhouette. I hope that I am making up for that now.
I am sorry for neglecting your well-being and ignoring the importance of self-care. I neglected to provide you with the rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation you needed to function at your best. I disregarded the importance of nurturing your emotional and mental health, failing to realize that a healthy body encompasses more than just physical aspects.
Please understand that my behavior was never a reflection of your worth. It was a reflection of my own insecurities and the unrealistic standards society has imposed upon us. I am still a work in progress. I will continue dismantling those toxic beliefs and embracing a more compassionate and accepting mindset.
From the moment I took my first breath, you have tirelessly carried me through every triumph and tribulation, adapting to the challenges thrown our way. You have weathered storms and endured hardships, never giving up on me. Through illness and injury, you have fought fiercely to restore balance and well-being.
You have healed my wounds, both seen and unseen, mending broken bones and broken hearts. You have been my shelter, my sanctuary, providing a home for my spirit to thrive. You have carried me through adventures and explorations, allowing me to feel the wind in my hair, the sand between my toes, and the warmth of the sun on my skin. Even when I doubted your ability, you proved your strength time and time again. I am in awe of your resilience, dear body.
Today, I want to make a solemn promise. I promise to treat you with the utmost care and respect. No longer will I scrutinize your imperfections or belittle your unique shape.
I will listen to your needs. I vow to nourish you with wholesome food and moments of silliness. I will engage in activities that promote your strength and vitality, honor your boundaries, and prioritize rest when you need it. I will listen to your whispers and respond with kindness and compassion. I vow to prioritize self-care and self-love, understanding that taking care of you is not selfish but essential for my overall well-being.
You deserve love, Body, unconditionally and without reservation. Today and every day, I choose to honor you. I promise to stand by your side, appreciating your uniqueness and embracing all that you are. You are a mother, a warrior, and an athlete. You are a vessel of life, a source of power and resilience. You are strong, and you are worthy. I am so grateful for all that you have given me and all you continue to do for me. Thank you for being patient with me, even when I did not deserve it.
From this day forward, I promise to be your ally, your advocate, and your biggest supporter. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-love and acceptance, where compassion will guide our every step.
With heartfelt apologies and a renewed commitment,
Lacey Soares