I have heard from so many of you, both here and on Instagram, about this topic of body image … and it’s clearly something that resonates with so many. Obviously we all face different challenges, but I find it so inspiring how open and honest you all are willing to be here; and it is so rewarding to see and read how our discussions here have helped or motivated you.

Following last week’s body image post, I received this very moving email from Hilary about her lifelong struggle with weight and body image. I thought some of you may relate to her story, so I wanted to share her very honest look into the body issues that have shaped her life. 

Here’s the deal. If we’re lucky, we’re going to grow to a nice, ripe, old age. Even though I imagine most of us are grateful for that, it seems we are also in a constant battle with the consequences. As a result, our body images can take a major hit. 

Most of us struggled with certain elements of our body, starting when we were young. And at that age we could be so insecure and wigged out over so many things. As I’ve aged, I’m happy to have found some level of acceptance with my body. Yes, I have Barney Rubble feet, and my never shapely arms have definitely become even less shapely over the years. But getting hung up on those things does nothing to change them. In fact it can turn into a hamster wheel of driving you crazy.

A few weeks back I shared my chocolate chip cookie recipe –a recipe I mastered years ago and is my absolute favorite. But every time I make them, my husband says “We’ve been together 35 years and you still won’t make oatmeal cookies.” So began my journey to find and master a great oatmeal cookie recipe. I’ve been looking for years, and I think I’ve finally found a pretty good recipe – at least my husband thinks so!