By Kate Suddes
Mama, why are your boobs like that?
Can I count the pimples on your face?
Why do you have lines on your tummy?
Will my body look like yours when I’m older?
These are all good questions. And someday, my baby girls, you may wonder why I chose to be photographed in a bra and underwear for (some of) the world to see. Someday I’ll be gone and you may wish we had some of our conversations in writing. About many things. One of which may be bodies.
My body is never the same size. It’s never made up of the same things. It changes in an afternoon, in a night’s sleep, after a snack. Bodies can look any number of ways. You will be told that your body is your primary currency. A tool to negotiate, persuade. An advertisement (totally and completely, at that) for who you are. For what constitutes your soul, your mind, your heart. You will be made to think that your body can prevent you from doing things, from loving people, accepting love from people. You will be asked to stay small – even if you are literally small or big – especially big. But what your body says about you to others (are you listening?) is 100% totally and completely about them, their bodies and what they have been taught about bodies. It is not about you. It is NOT about you. It is not about YOU. (Kate, are you listening too?) When you pass up a third cookie, you are not good. When you have a fourth piece of pizza, you are not bad. You are good and bad for a million other tiny reasons. None of them have to do with food or your body. Continue Reading…