I love this, Asmita. And I'm so sorry there was so much harm happening to you as you were growing up. And I realize I am far behind here (I was on vacation) but you might laugh if you hear tomorrow's podlet. I, too, am curvy. More bottom than top, so buying bikinis back in my day proved challenging. I think we all have frustrations with our bodies on one level or another, and different times than others. But I've learned to appreciate it. As I was walking back to the office from Starbucks, giving myself the treat of a decaf coconut milk iced latte, I thought about how good it feels to walk, how well my body moves, how easily, then I wondered when that will change? I'm 55 now. I still do yoga and weights and rowing and my urban hikes. When will that start to change? And does it have to? (Of course it does, but...) This is our vessel. Our vehicle. If we feed it well and move it kindly, and treat it with honor, we will reap those benefits. A wise friend told me, "It's not IF you become disabled, but *when*." And that disability can be brief (broken bone, recovering from surgery) or not. We have to appreciate what we have and use it in the best way possible. Adding a little love, or at least respect, to that goes a long way. xo
Omg! I’m so so sorry that I missed this wonderful message from you, Sandra! I really need to get back to writing and all things Substack. I’m sorry!
I love the language you use here around our bodies being our vessel and wow wow wow! Your friend with that truth bomb. I had not thought about my body and disability like that. I motivated to show it some extra love and care today (and every day). I know that I take it for granted and that needs to change. I think I take both my body and brain for granted - but that’s for another day 😬
Again, apologies for the delay. I’m looking forward to catching up on your podlet and all the wonderful things this weekend. Thank you for your kind words and support, friend! 💛
Asmita, this work you've put here for us is so vital, so important. Thank you, friend, for being vulnerable and wonderful and so very you, through and through.
And goodness, my body and I have been through some things! I never fit the right shape as a girl, and I certainly don't as a man now either. It's so hard to untangle that bodily connection when I have been deprived of any bodily connection for my entire life. There are moments now though, sweet, tender moments of hugs and full belly laughs and hammock naps in the shade when my body and I sway together quietly, happy, simple. I long for those moments.
Robin, thank you so much for your kind words. I am not sure if I can truly express how much this support and encouragement help tackle some heavy and uncomfortable topics. THANK YOU!
Also, I hear you and see you, my friend. I don't know if we can truly get rid of this idea of the "right" shape, but I love this image of you happily swaying in a hammock at peace with your body. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective.
(Side note, because I can't help myself: your writing is exceptional!!!!! You are skilled at painting these vivid images with your words. As a reader, I am taken on this journey with you and I really really appreciate that.)
I love this, Asmita. And I'm so sorry there was so much harm happening to you as you were growing up. And I realize I am far behind here (I was on vacation) but you might laugh if you hear tomorrow's podlet. I, too, am curvy. More bottom than top, so buying bikinis back in my day proved challenging. I think we all have frustrations with our bodies on one level or another, and different times than others. But I've learned to appreciate it. As I was walking back to the office from Starbucks, giving myself the treat of a decaf coconut milk iced latte, I thought about how good it feels to walk, how well my body moves, how easily, then I wondered when that will change? I'm 55 now. I still do yoga and weights and rowing and my urban hikes. When will that start to change? And does it have to? (Of course it does, but...) This is our vessel. Our vehicle. If we feed it well and move it kindly, and treat it with honor, we will reap those benefits. A wise friend told me, "It's not IF you become disabled, but *when*." And that disability can be brief (broken bone, recovering from surgery) or not. We have to appreciate what we have and use it in the best way possible. Adding a little love, or at least respect, to that goes a long way. xo
Omg! I’m so so sorry that I missed this wonderful message from you, Sandra! I really need to get back to writing and all things Substack. I’m sorry!
I love the language you use here around our bodies being our vessel and wow wow wow! Your friend with that truth bomb. I had not thought about my body and disability like that. I motivated to show it some extra love and care today (and every day). I know that I take it for granted and that needs to change. I think I take both my body and brain for granted - but that’s for another day 😬
Again, apologies for the delay. I’m looking forward to catching up on your podlet and all the wonderful things this weekend. Thank you for your kind words and support, friend! 💛
Never apologize for living your life, doll! You have a very full plate. And I’m never watching the clock. 💗xo
🤗🤗
Asmita, this work you've put here for us is so vital, so important. Thank you, friend, for being vulnerable and wonderful and so very you, through and through.
And goodness, my body and I have been through some things! I never fit the right shape as a girl, and I certainly don't as a man now either. It's so hard to untangle that bodily connection when I have been deprived of any bodily connection for my entire life. There are moments now though, sweet, tender moments of hugs and full belly laughs and hammock naps in the shade when my body and I sway together quietly, happy, simple. I long for those moments.
Robin, thank you so much for your kind words. I am not sure if I can truly express how much this support and encouragement help tackle some heavy and uncomfortable topics. THANK YOU!
Also, I hear you and see you, my friend. I don't know if we can truly get rid of this idea of the "right" shape, but I love this image of you happily swaying in a hammock at peace with your body. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective.
(Side note, because I can't help myself: your writing is exceptional!!!!! You are skilled at painting these vivid images with your words. As a reader, I am taken on this journey with you and I really really appreciate that.)
Likewise, my friend. Your words are a landscape.
💛💛