When was the last time you had sex?
Wait, don’t answer that. When was the last time you had sex with the lights on?
Hmm, now that’s a different question altogether, isn’t it?
I have aged, given birth to two children, and am currently sidelined by a knee injury that prevents me from getting much exercise. So for me, my best guess is…years. Although I have been assured by my husband that men are just really happy to be in the presence of a naked woman, I have to say I do a lot of ducking behind doors, changing in my closet, and being intimate with the lights of because maybe sometimes the naked woman isn’t confident enough to be seen.
I have some lovely candles next to my bed. They are soft enough to keep me from feeling too exposed.
Maybe, though, tt’s time for a reality check. To once again face the mirror and review the wonder that is a woman’s body.
This woman’s body.
And maybe this involves standing naked, eyes open, during the bright light of day, in front of the mirror and taking a head to toe inventory of what I see. I start with my hair; it covers my head, helps to keep me warm. I like the way it frames my face.
Then we move down, eyes, nose, lips, neck, shoulders, and yes, even my belly gets its praise.
We tend to forget we are exactly as we ought to be. I did. But I am remembering now to honor myself as I am. The backs of my arms are flabby, but these are the arms that hug my children. I have a large surgical scar on my abdomen that reminds me how I almost died of a ruptured appendix when I was three. That scar reminds me how precious life is.
Forget the scrap book. My body tells the story of my life.
It’s time to come out of hiding just a little bit more. To brighten the soft light illuminating the body my husband loves because it is mine and he loves me.
So I put a few more candles on the nightstand.
Leanne is a wife, mother, and still on the fence about the Becoming a Blogger thing.
Lovely.
I love this post! Sharing . . .
Candles are hot, and very flattering. You go, girl.
I wish I were comfortable enough to get freaky with the lights on again. I’ve lost right at 200 pounds from my highest weight and I have enough extra skin for an extra person. Luckily I have a man who is very accepting of my body and loves me lumps and all… but I still prefer lights out. For now.
Brave lady!
Talk about self-acceptance! I love this post and I hope you continue to write for public consumption because the world needs more women to talk about how their love and appreciate their bodies, no matter what.