It is a SELFIE. A selfie of my tummy.
'Twas two years since I gave birth, but the stretch marks are still heavily visible.
My belly is sagging and there are obvious discolorations.
Far from the flat and toned tummy I was proud of.
Far from the slender waist I freely flaunt whenever I want to.
Far from the slim yet curvy body I used to have.
This is a SELFIE.
This is a SELFIE.
Not the kind that people will usually show to the world.
Not the best angle, nor the most flawless appearance.
But it is ME. It is my tummy. It has a story. And it is BEAUTIFUL!
This bulge brought someone to LIFE and became a HOME for nine months.
How its size has grown was an indicator of an individual continuously being nurtured and loved inside me.
And the stretch marks? Each line was a result of my ENDURANCE from expanding to its limit to accommodate a growing life.
Jiggly belly and fats are evident as even after giving birth, I opted not to diet so I can nurture my child through BREASTFEEDING and provide the best nutrients my body can give.
This is the first time I've shown this selfie to the world and I am NOT ASHAMED.
Because beyond every IMPERFECTION is true beauty.
It is part of who you are. It makes you UNIQUE.
It is part of who you are. It makes you UNIQUE.
So the next time you touch your mother's hand, do not look at how rough or hard or dry it is.
See the HARD WORK she did doing all the household chores, cooking your meals, and taking care of you since you were a child.
When you look at your father's face, look beyond the wrinkly forehead and the dark eye bags.
But see how he stayed up late at work to earn more just so your family can have a DECENT LIFE.
LOOKING is different from SEEING and we should change the way we see things.
See beyond what is SUPERFICIAL and embrace the STORIES behind as it is where real BEAUTY lies.
