This mum is the inspiration we need to start loving our bodies

Many of us have hang-ups and insecurities when it comes to body image.

We can pinpoint those teeny tiny imperfections that are invisible to others and of little importance in the grand scheme of things. However, we still feel society expects us to be perfect and so we end up feeling less than we are. One mum took to Facebook recently to tell her story regarding hang-ups surrounding her stretch marks and cellulite. Sharny Kieser posted a photo of herself in her bikini, flaunting those natural stretch marks in a bid to encourage other mums, and women in general, to embrace their imperfections. Okay so she’s a personal trainer… but it’s her 'zero f***s given' attitude towards these so-called imperfections that we’re loving. The pictures demonstrate stretch marks on her stomach and thighs due to the extra pressures that can be placed on our bodies during pregnancy. Kieser explained that in the past she pulled all sorts of tricks to avoid having to show off her new bod.

"If I was ever invited to the beach or a pool party, I’d always decline. On the odd occasion, I couldn’t avoid it, I’d stay inside, helping with the food or cleaning".

She says she hated her body and thought there was little point in exercising if she was never going to show off her figure anyway. Thankfully, the days of covering up her tummy out of embarrassment would come to an end when her husband gave her the boost of confidence she needed. Upon overhearing him explain to others how he thought stretch marks were beautiful, how they were womanly, and showed what mums go through to bring another life into the world, Kieser's perception began to change.

A post shared by Sharny and Julius (@sharnyandjulius) on Feb 22, 2017 at 5:32am PST

She wrote,

“I had hated myself for the very reasons he loved me. My body wasn’t ruined or disgusting. It had transformed from a selfish girl's body into a selfless mother's body and the scars were a symbol of that transition.” “I looked at my stretch marks and I felt pride. I felt love. The love of my husband and the love of my children... The craziest thing was that when I started to love myself for what I had now, the body I had now, I began to treat myself better.”

From here she says she ate better, exercised more and prioritised taking part in things she enjoyed doing. Although not all of us have these exact image issues as Kieser, self-confidence and self-esteem is something many of us struggle with. The key is to acknowledge how unique each of us are and to embrace it. Everyday, be grateful for the body you have. It protects the most important matter of all, that is the stuff on the inside. And no stare nor any insinuating comment should prevent us from living life to the full. As the old saying goes, those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. So engage in all those activities that make you happy and celebrate the fabulous human you are.