ベス・ロッデンさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ベス・ロッデンInstagram)「When I was pregnant, I received wonderful compliments on my growing body almost daily. It was beautiful. It was glowing. I was radiant. Look at that gorgeous belly. When are you due? Isn't it a miracle? At thirty pounds heavier, it felt like a refreshing diversion from the usual dialogue around weight and fitness as a professional athlete. But after birth, the compliments turned to well-intentioned suggestions on postpartum workouts, diets, cleanses and conversations like “look at how hard she’s climbing already, it must have been the breastfeeding.” I welcomed them all, wanting to return to my familiar, skinnier body, where I felt in control. But after years of breastfeeding, diets and workouts, my body was still different. And more than that, I was different. I started to wonder why the mother's pregnant body is celebrated and sacred, but afterwards it’s time to tone up, firm up, apologize for the inconvenience and get back to normal. Why is it custom to hide our softer, saggier selves? This past year I started to ask myself where and why I learned that, and thus began my transformation from self-loathing to self-love. My postpartum body has fostered a freedom that has led to my favorite climbing days, most genuine friendships, best sex, and the strength to be vulnerable in public and accept myself in private. I am so grateful. The next time you think you should hide your body, think of the possibilities that could grow from not hiding it instead. I’m hopeful these posts help anyone out there struggling with the unrealistic expectations we all have. It's taken me years (and it's still a work in progress) but it's been the most liberating journey of my life. Let's make it normal, not brave, to share our true selves. 📷 of me on “Slice of Life” in Yosemite // @outdoorresearch @metoliusclimbing @touchstoneclimbing @bluewaterropes @ospreypacks @skinourishment @clifbar @lasportivana #orambassador」1月15日 2時35分