I don’t usually get worked up about what’s going on in celebrity culture – mostly because I can’t relate to them and likely they wouldn’t be very interested in my little life. But when I read this article about what Jillian Michaels said about pregnancy my face heated up a little and at first what was a tiny niggle of irritation bloomed into a “I’d like to give her a piece of my mind” kind of annoyance.I think what bothers me most is that she gets paid (probably an unjustifiable amount) to coach people into shape. People of all shapes and sizes. Many of whom have given birth to children. That the thought of pregnancy seems to repulse her makes me wonder how much credibility she has lost with some of the contestants. I mean isn’t the best part of being coached by someone like her the fact that she used to be overweight herself?? That she has walked in these people’s shoes??
It’s sad to me that such a public person, with some clear responsibility in the realm of body image and self-esteem has decided to make such a lazy comment about one of - if not the most (in my opinion) - important job a woman will ever do.
Because you know what? Even though pregnancy is unpredictable and scary and can wreak havoc on your body, it is at the same time beautiful, and magical and full of grace. And not because I am a pregnant woman writing this but I find the pregnant body awe-some. And I find carrying a child in my uterus to be a joy and one of the greatest honours.
So I have these two things to say to Jillian:
In the end I hope that you don’t decide against having children only because of this fear of ruining your perfect body. Because honey, age will ravage all that you have worked hard for.
And…
Being an adopted person, it’s slightly insulting to think that someone might have thought they were ‘rescuing’ me. I’ve rescued before but only from animal shelters. And even then that dog and that cat have given me far more than I could ever give them.
That is horrible of her to say. Very sad. I lament daily at my postpartum body that I am working very hard to get back into shape. My husband constantly reminds me that it's only been three months and not to be so down on myself. But honestly, just looking at my precious treasures all my angst goes away.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for this gal. She will be missing out on so much. There are so many women who desperately want to know what it's like to have a person growing inside. I guess she will get what she deserves in the sense that she will never know this joy.
I hope you are well!
She is too caught up in body image clearly. She misses the truth about what makes us human: our ability to love. She thinks that perfect abs define a successful "body." I counter with the belief that a good, healthy body is one that is governed by a generous soul and spirit-driven person. She needs to flex her human muscles more!
ReplyDeleteSorry for her that she misses the whole beauty of pregnancy. Also doubly sorry for her that she misses the creative force of love driving those who thoughtfully and generously give all of themselves as adoptive parents.
Hope you are well Kim. Send me an email when you have the time. We have to catch up :)
Hmm, now I wish I wouldn't have done her workout for the entire month of March for my own personal fitness challenge. But she did get me back into shape!! Overall though, I can tell she's an idiot. Half of the time she doesn't even do her own moves in her videos and she gets out of breath easily. I am proof that you can get back into shape after having a baby. I've lost 20 pounds in six months and guess what, now I'm ready to "ruin" my body again and TTC all over for a second child. I'm not scared b/c I know I can do it if I want to. We're women -- we can do anything we set our minds to do! It's a shame for her to forget that but if she really is that gullible then she's better off not carrying a child and passing on that stupidity to an offspring! Just my two cents!
ReplyDeleteWell said my friend!
ReplyDeleteHer comments and her attitude is silly, but I give her a pass, I guess... Because how can she know? How can she know that the INSTANT you meet your baby, the extra pounds, the abs that you'll never quite get back, the hips that are now permanently wider, every single stretch mark on your belly, hips, boobs... are all so worth it. In just that instant you DON'T CARE about that anymore.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I feel, anyway. I know I'll never have the body I had when I was 24 again, but I don't miss it. Look what I have instead!
Hope you're doing well, Kim!
I heard an intereview with her reacting to the controversy. She felt her comments were mis-construed. I'm not a fan, personally, but I hope she doesn't have a baby if she doesn't want to for any reason. The world is already over-populated, and so I fully support any one who decides not to add to the population. Even if their reasons are shallow. Maybe even especially if their reasons are shallow. Levae having babies to those of us who desperately want them and don't mind the physical toll it takes on our bodies. I know I'll never get to have a a perfectly flat belly again, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she said that. You said it best, very well. I loved being pregnant, ever part of it, including my expanding belly. Getting a flat stomach again was the least thing on my mind, even after my second. I loved having something living inside of me, feeling it move around, kicking, pushing and all the other wonderful feelings that came with it. Then the ultimate treasure, when you finally get to meet your baby for the first time. I wouldn't trade that for anything!!! I think pregnant women are beautiful.
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