Today I am going to express gratitude for some of my body parts…..I’m sorry I don’t appreciate you every day.
I would like to thank my Teeth for allowing me to enjoy my kryptonite – mac n’ cheese and brownies – but also foods that nourish me like kale, protein shakes, and chicken. So.much.chicken. You never fail to let me know when I have lettuce stuck in-between you because I can feel the food tickling my gums. I wish all people were as honest as you guys. You know who you are….the one who doesn’t let someone know they are rocking broccoli in the teeth.
Thank you, Knees, for allowing me to still pull some yoga moves and exercises. I know people suffer from knee pain and I remind myself to appreciate you both now because one day you probably are going to turn on me, you slimy b*stards. #oldpeopleproblems
Thank you, Legs, for getting me up Mt. Kilimanjaro and running 4 Half Marathons. Even at times when I was being lazy and trying to talk myself out of it, you guys pulled through with the strength I needed. You played a big part in helping me to believe I can do anything with the two of you in my life.
Thank you, Toes, for giving me peace throughout my body when I dip you in the ocean. I savor the moments standing there as the salty water rushes over each of you, and puts me in a catatonic state as I watch the waves seep back into the ocean. Rinse. Repeat. A Snapchat experience of what I can only imagine Heaven is like.
Thank you, Eyes, for giving me sight. You allow me to see the world for all its beauty even when we are amid chaos, pain, and darkness. You help me to see light exists in a dark world.
Thank you, Wrinkles, for existing. I admit at times I have tried to convince Brain with ways we can eliminate you. There are so many options to banish you from my face and at times I even considered poisoning you guys. Hopefully only a manslaughter charge? But, Brain reminds me there was once a young woman 21 years old and she wanted to die. She lost hope and didn’t have the will to live anymore and a MIRACLE rescue occurred on that day; She was saved for reasons she still can’t fathom. Her wrinkles serve as a beautiful reminder she has seen yet another day. That woman is me and it would be a shame if I didn’t see the aging in my face as miracle upon miracle happening right before my eyes.
Thank you, Muffin top, or as I refer to you affectionately “Foopa” for being that constant friend that never leaves me even when I am a total jerk and try to rip you to shreds with my words. You are always there like a permanent fanny pack. Yes, I may cuss at times when I am stuffing you into my jeans and trying my best to flatten you out, but know I do love you. Sure, there are times you can’t breathe because I have cut off your circulation with my tight pants and probably your will to live, but please understand what you mean to me. You helped me carry 3 beautiful babies into this world and I am eternally grateful for that. I know there are many women suffering in the world because their body does not allow them to carry a baby of their own. I also know at times when I am staring at bikini bods trapesing the pool or oceanside, they too are suffering from their own issues. Their issues look different than mine.
Thank you, Brain, for putting up with my crap. I’ve abused you with drugs and alcohol, undervalued you, and didn’t always give you the accolades you deserve. There were times I was embarrassed by you and didn’t believe in the intelligence you possess. I’ve questioned you and at times forgot to use you to make the right choices. I’ve been a very convincing “friend” and deterred you from all the goodness and glory you deserve. There have been times I have assisted in having you compromise your values and consider things like changing our body so that I could “feel” better about myself. That is not fair to you or body or to God. He believes I am perfect from my head to my toes.
Although if I am honest…I will still plot was to get rid of Muffin top because fanny packs are so last decade. For today though, I will appreciate you all. Thank you. Thank you.
Danielle Leonard 