When we were young mommy taught us to care for our bodies internally, clean our bodies and protect our bodies from falling and breaking bones. As we got older I learned I was supposed to love you. Unfortunately someone robbed us of that authentic love. Someone you thought you could trust. I hated you. I wanted to hide you. I didn’t want you to be liked and desired by an old man. I felt uncomfortable with you. I was scared and timid to even defend you. It was wrong to be desired by this man. I would get a boost of happiness when someone my age gave me attention because it wasn’t him. I didn’t just let anyone in you but we got distracted by bad attention. In high school we dealt with a lot of comparisons which made it even more difficult to love you. Now I’m realizing I can’t recall a time when I loved you. I should have treated you right. I should have worn those outfits and done that hairstyle. Even when you spent 40 Weeks creating my baby girl and a long weekend delivering her to this world. I should’ve appreciated you. I should have welcomed each stretch mark. I should’ve appreciated my breast for creating milk for her. And though I could go on with plenty of “should haves” I am happy I do not feel the exact same as before. I am learning to forgive myself for hating you. I have gratitude now and though I may make mistakes I am learning to love you. I am learning to accept and own each “flaw”. I am going to love you from head to toe. From each stretch mark even to my first gray hair. My smile and how small my eyes get when I laugh. My strong legs and hands. I am sorry for the past but give me time. It’ll be worth it and it’ll feel amazing when I finally love YOU.