This was my lunch today. Yep. Doritos and a Dr. Pepper.

A week ago you might’ve seen me with water and a salad, or leftovers from dinner the night before. But not today. And you probably won’t catch me doing that after today, either. 

I’m not saying eat junk 24/7. 

What I’m saying is give yourself grace. 

A couple of weeks ago, I quit drinking soda. I lasted four days. Then I said I was going to give up sweets. I lasted three days.

I stared at the mirror all too long and cursed myself for not having self-control and not being healthier. 

RELATED: You Are More Than Your Postpartum Body

I had a baby five months ago. And another one two-and-a-half years ago. To think my body would look like it did in college is, quite frankly, stupid. 

So, I’m not going to say no to a cookie. 

I’m not going to choose asparagus when I really want bread. 

I’m not going to stress over what my belly looks like anymore. 

I’m going to love my kids, love what I eat, and love myself through the process. 

I want to be the best example I can be for my daughter. I want to teach her to love herself and that she is enough the way she is. God created her in His image and He makes no mistakes. 

RELATED: 9 Ways To Teach Your Daughter To Love Her Body

Of course, I will teach her how to make healthy and smart choices and to be active, too. 

But there can be a balance. All things in moderation, right?

I’ve realized the last thing I want to do is preach one thing to her and then do the opposite myself. 

I don’t want her to grow up hating numbers on a scale and spending much too long focusing on herself in the mirror. 

I don’t want to be the reason she finds insecurities within herself. I don’t want her to look back and realize a negative body image stigma came from me—her mother. 

I’m going to teach her to love herself. I’m going to do my best to teach her to be happy and how that comes from within. 

And I’ll always tell her to take the chance and eat the dang cookie.

Previously published on the author’s Facebook page

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Jordan Morgan

Wife & mama just winging this whole thing one day at a time. I have a love for words, travel, the South, family, Jesus, yoga, and a relaxing swing on the front porch. I try to find humor in all things and keep motherhood real – the good and the bad. My goal is to help women on the motherhood journey feel less alone. You can find me over on my blog at www.jordanmorgan.com on Facebook @jordanmorganwriter or on instagram @mamayogatn

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