Wellness Wednesday

I don’t always single out just the moms in my blog. But, today…this is for the mommas out there!

Okay, moms (and those of you who aren’t mom’s but couldn’t resist a good secret-yes-I’m talking to you! ha!) I have a confession to make!

I have been one of “those moms” who has really come to love the yoga pants look…for like the past 4 years. Gasp!  I know! My jaw just dropped too! I’d like to say it’s because I’m so active and “always ready for a good workout.”

But, let’s face the truth here…what I’m actually ready for is COMFORT.

What’s up with the trend of hip-hugger jeans which only results in one thing-the dreaded muffin top!?!?! Because of this, I’ve pretty much given up on shopping for myself in any section of the store that isn’t labeled “active wear”-which should be labeled: “active/normal body wear.” This is the only area of the store where I find clothes that actually cover up my booty and doesn’t result in me looking like a busted can of biscuits.

For the past several years, anytime I chose to wear something other than yoga pants (or a dress because dresses don’t have that uncomfortable hip-hugging waistline) as soon as I got home (AND I MEAN DROP YOUR DRAWERS WHEN YOU WALK IN THE DOOR) I would change out of my clothes and into some pjs or yoga pants.

This was how I felt comfortable physically. But, I also had this guilty feeling that it made me feel a little “too relaxed” and borderline lazy.

So…..

Earlier this week, I was walking into Target and saw a bright red sign (thank you Target) advertising their “Buy one get one 50% off” sale. I thought…hmmmm….I literally haven’t even shopped in the women’s department since we moved to Hawaii….2 years ago. So, I figured I’d give it a quick walk through.

I’ve never been a big person (even when I thought I was “too fat”-read about that here: Teaching Her to Love Her Body) But, I had basically given up on dressing like a “normal” person as soon as my body changed and I had the “mom bod.” And, I don’t mean that in a bad way. I honestly love my “mom bod” more than I loved my “younger bod.” This body I have now is a representation of who I am-a strong wife and mother. There is NO SHAME IN THAT!

I’ve been a mom for almost 8 years now. The problem isn’t my changing body shape like I had thought, it’s the style of clothes I’m trying to wear.

During this trip to Target, I took some time and looked around at EVERYTHING! I found some really cute shirts that I threw in my shopping cart and then I stumbled upon the jeans section. I caught myself cussing under my breath, “yeah right, Lacy!” But, one pair caught my eye so I walked over for a closer look.

I was surprised to see they weren’t labeled as “hip-hugger” but actually, “high-rise.” Could it possibly be that they have “normal” jeans now?!?! I grabbed them and another pair and ran-litterally! I looked like Cruela DeVille driving that shopping cart!

I got to the fitting room without a speeding ticket and tried on both pairs. I couldn’t believe, they fit AMAZINGLY! Both pairs! How often does THAT happen?

The last time I tried on something in a store and literally had to laugh at myself was when I tried on maternity jeans for the first time. You know the ones…the ones that have the blue elastic material that comes all the way over your growing belly. Definitely a different feeling than what I was used to!

I remember that day instantly feeling better physically and emotionally because I had found some pants that fit my new body.

I had that same feeling at Target the other day. After I caught myself laughing at the fact that, at 35, I was wearing “mom jeans.” But, now I can’t believe I waited so long to “get over the stereotype” and just wear them.

I have to be honest with you…they are SO COMFORTABLE! I can wear them around the house and I find myself actually getting dressed in normal clothes each morning rather than wearing my pjs for as long as possible before throwing on some yoga pants for the day. I don’t have to worry about an uncomfortable “muffin top” anymore!

And, let’s face it. Nobody can tell what type of waistline I’m wearing because I’m not 15 and I don’t wear a mid-drift to show off my tummy. My shirt covers the waistline of my jeans so you don’t see it anyway.

They might not be “sexy. “But, I’m a proud mom who’s been married for almost 10 years. My hubby has seen every square inch of this mom bod so who am I fooling? These jeans make me feel good, they flatten out my after-baby pooch, I no longer worry about a muffin top hanging out and I think I look great!

So, there you have it!

My mommy secret…MOM JEANS!

Go grab yourself a pair. Your secret is safe with me!

And to prove to you that I’m not alone on this crazy discovery…check this out: We Tried Mom Jeans

***Now, before I end this, I want to point out that we all have different body shapes and sizes.

I mean nothing hurtful or mean when I refer to a “normal” body. We all know there is no “normal” when we are talking about body shapes. I simply meant an “average” body shape and size.

I don’t know how to stress this enough. But, as someone who has struggled with body image in the past, I have learned to believe that there is beauty to be found in every body shape. Some of my dear friends have a larger body shape than me, some have a much smaller body shape than I do. They are each beautiful in their own way.

As women, especially as moms, I think it’s important to embrace the skin we are in. For me, these “moms jeans” did just that! It has made it possible for me to feel comfortable in the body that I have and gain a level of confidence I haven’t felt in a while.

This is why I decided to share this post with you mommas today.

Mom jeans may not be the answer for you. But, I urge you to experiment with some different clothing styles and find something that makes YOU feel good. We all deserve to feel comfortable and good about ourselves.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this…would you ever wear “mom jeans?” Please comment below!

With Aloha,

Lacy

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Beyond the Surface: Looking Deeply into Myself

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