A little while back, I  started a new series on the blog all about our relationships with our bodies (you can read the first two posts HERE and HERE). So many GORGEOUS women I talk to daily have such a negative image of themselves, I think it becomes standard in our society. And I HATE that.

I want to start an open conversation every week on the blog about our bodies, and to give some amazing women I know the opportunity to share their body journey. If you can take one positive learning about your own amazing body from someone else’s journey, then my job is done.

So here is the body journey of my gorgeous friend, and fellow blogger, Vanessa Rehm from vanessarehm.com

 

THE USUAL DETAILS:

Name: Vanessa Rehm

Age: 41

Clothing size: 10-12

How you know Cait: We met through this lovely blogging world

What do you spend your days doing: Oh geez…. My three kids mostly. But housework, laundry, blog work, school runs, cooking, constant snack supplies, did I mention Laundry?

 

LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR BODY….

 

Tell me a little about how you feel about your body now?

I’m in a pretty good place with my body at the moment. I feel strong and fit and ready to take on the world.

 

Did you always feel like that?

Not so much, since I’ve had kids it’s been a bit of a battle – but mostly one where I’ve made a million excuses for not doing anything to really change it.

I’ve been making a concerted effort to exercise regularly for the past three months and has really created a shift in my attitude.

I haven’t lost weight, but I’ve tightened things up a little and I just feel strong which makes me feel good. Sweating and muscles hurting from being used is gooooood.

 

What are the three favourite parts of your body?

My legs, my eyes and my butt

 

What is beauty to you?

Genuine contentment and happiness that radiates from within. Sparkling eyes, contagious smile and those who are aging with confidence.

 

What is one way you celebrate your body everyday?

Hmmmm this is a tricky one. I have been really conscious lately of trying to dress to suit my body and not trying to fit my body style and shape into things that just don’t work for me.

 

Where do you feel the most pressure comes from to look a certain way?

Myself honestly. I have this expectation that because I still feel like I’m in my late 20’s that I should have the body to match and I just don’t. I wish I had have appreciated how actually awesome it was at the time in my life! But alas.

 

What do you do to combat that?

I just have to remind myself that I’m not 27 anymore and while I can and should try to look as good as I can, there are certain things that just don’t sit like they used to and never will – tummy, legs, kneecaps. Ugh – but that’s ok. (editors note: we think your kneecaps are pretty alright 😉 )

What does a positive body image mean to you?

Feeling confident in my clothes – which is why dressing appropriately is important – (I’m still getting there on the without clothes part) and being able to appreciate what my body for what has done – borne three children – and continues to do (run, lift children, cuddle, change sheets on a top bunk – I mean have you ever tried to do that!???) instead of wishing it were some other way.

 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve heard about how you think about your body?

My mama used to say to me – back when I was in my 20’s and looking fabulous but not realising – “You will never look as good as you do now so appreciate your body at every stage!” and it’s true. My body will also never look as good as it does right now.

When I’m 60 I’m going to be wishing I looked like I did at 40 so I constantly remind myself to love and appreciate what my body looks like right now!

 


Thanks Vanessa! I think you are an amazing woman inside and out, and so happy you’re making some positive changes in your life to feel even more kick-ass about yourself!

Tell me about your body journey in the comments below, or even just start with sharing something you LOVE about your body – come on, you can do it x

Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always,