finding something beautiful

one of the things i've struggled with my entire life (at least as far back as i can remember) is self-esteem, especially when it comes to my appearance.  after my babies were born it got worse.  suddenly my entire body changed--and not for the better, in my opinion.  things were suddenly sagging and no longer where they should be.  i had a major layer of extra fat, and skin covered in stretch marks.  for the last five years i've hated the way my stomach looks.

i came across a photograph of a woman's stomach that looked much like mine on pinterest awhile ago.  along with it were these words:

A mark for every breath you took, every blink, every sleepy yawn.  One for every time you sucked your thumb, waved hello, closed your eyes and slept in the most perfect darkness.  One for every time you had the hiccups.  One for every dream you dreamed within me.

It isn't very pretty anymore.  Some may even think it ugly.  That's okay.  It was your home.  It's where I first grew to love you, where I lay my hand as I dreamed about who you were and who you would be.  It held you until my arms could, and for that, I will always find something beautiful in it.

now, when i look in the mirror, i try to remember these words.