She's got legs...

One of my favorite online friends, Tina, blogs often about loving yourself, just as you are. She is a big proponent of recognizing and being proud of your own strengths, both physically and mentally.

(Check out her blog, Faith, Fitness, Fun!)

Anyway, I have trouble with that. I am just not that great about lifting myself up, but I'm pretty fantastic at cutting myself down. At least, in my head. That dumb little voice is always criticizing.

Lately, I've been pretty mean to my legs.

I have been beating them up, first through the Warrior Dash, where I not only got them all muddy, but I also got some nice rope burns.





Then on a four-day hiking trip.

And then with a muddy swamp walk through lots of black raspberry brambles. (Note to self. Dig that thorn out of knee before it gets infected)



And after all that fun, I look in the mirror and cringe at my "stumpy tree trunk legs."

The other night, I was out talking to a neighbor I don't know very well. I've only spoken to her a few times. We chatted about the walk I had taken in the woods with my family and she looked down and said "You have nice legs!"

I was taken aback. It was such an odd, out-of-the-blue comment. I stammered an "awww, well thank you."

Later, I had to admit to myself that the compliment was nice to receive.

So I've been trying. Over the past few days, I've been trying to be nicer to my legs.

OK, I COULD shave them more often. And use lotion. That would probably be a good way to show my appreciation.

But I've just started trying not to hate on them so much.

I am only 5'4" tall, so I'm never going to have those lanky model legs. I have what I've been given.

Yes, they're kinda short. Yes, they're kinda stumpy. But I've got STRONG legs and they do a lot for me. They let me have tons of fun when I run, hike, ride bikes with my kids, etc. They carried me down the aisle to marry my husband nearly 10 years ago. They take me where I want to go every day.

I am lucky to have them. Some people don't have strong, working legs.

I do.

Therefore... LEGS, I LOVE YOU!

Totally cheeseball post. but whatever. I'm showing myself some love today.

Shameless photo I took of them while reading under the oak tree yesterday with Logan. From this angle, not so bad!