I never thought I’d see the day that I actually felt like I looked good in any outfit. My body image and I have been enemies since early childhood. Growing up in an abusive household began the years of self-loathing, overeating, and a general negativity for life. Years of deep discernment, good therapy, and the support of my wonderful husband, family, and loving friends has changed my outlook to one of great expectations for good things to come. The past couple of years have seen improvement in my overall health with the loss of forty pounds and more than forty-five inches body wide (no pun intended). The change in body mass has brought out the beginnings of shape that I have hidden for many years. I have caught myself enjoying trying on clothes (even dresses – very scary). Most of my adult life, I was quite satisfied to wear baggy, ragged, non-descript clothing that hid all signs of any femaleness. As a matter of fact, it would have been okay with me to have had no gender at all. Now, I am feeling more at ease in my body, mind, and soul. It is taking time and patience for me and my body image to become acquaintances. That is the good start to a real friendship. At age 53, it is not too late for me to feel too sexy for my shirt.

Until next time…