naked

today, i looked at myself naked for the first time. well, not really. but it was the first in many ways - without criticism, without judgement, and with love. i tried not to compare myself with the types of bodies i see on magazine covers, but to view my body with a filter of love.

all my life i have viewed myself through a filter of criticism. to change, it was difficult, but refreshing. i looked at the girl in the mirror and saw a vulnerable face, and i called it beautiful. i admired the objective beauty of certain characteristics and the subjective beauty of others. from the fingertips to the stomach to the collarbone, i called out the beauty in each figure - and more importantly, i called out the use. that this body has housed me, has moved me, and has loved me. it was my turn to love it.

today, i looked at myself naked for the first time, and it was difficult, but refreshing.