Why are we as women so hard on ourselves?

You know, I can ask the same question over and over and can never come up with the same answer. However, I DO know we are hard on ourselves and I DO know that we do not need to be.

We see it every day in the media and the cover stories of Hollywood fame and beauty. In our eyes it appears that ever female celebrety either has that perfect smile, the perfect hair, or the perfect figure. They do not seem to flaunt stretch marks, wrinkles, sagginess and dimples. Sure, we know many of the pictures are airbrushed, but if only we could walk around photoshopped to the hills, appearing beautiful to all around us. We are way to hard on ourselves. Vanity is our culprit on many days. True, some days we simply don't care...and some days we actually do feel pretty, or at least acceptable.

I will be the first to admit I wish I looked the same as I did 5 years ago. However, let's be realistic; 4 babies in 5 years can kind of put the damper on my once thin, toned and 'perky' figure. Childbearing was my doom. And to top that off, I have to face the fact that I am not getting any younger, and whereas I could definately lose a couple of pounds and tone up in areas, it will take a heck of a lot more work than it would have 5 years ago. My northerns are falling southern and my southerns are spreading east to west. Where I once had bounce, I have SWING. You ladies know what I mean. I am only in my 30's!! Ah what we do for our children.

Oh to be 'ME' again, but wait a minute...I am me. I realize that I may not be who I once was on the outside, but I have become much more beautiful on the inside. Age and children have only added beauty to my life. If I could just for a moment reflect on my outward marks as badges of honor, I would be the most beautiful creature in the world. Afterall, every dimple, stretchmark, sag and crease on this body is attached to a memory and was created in love. Realistically, I am very blessed - even if my outwards dont appear to agree.