I, like most of us, come with a bagful of insecurities and fears, built up over years of life experience and perceived failures.
Some of them are about my physical self. After 36 years and two kids, my body has changed. My frame is wider, as are my hips. The softness continues to move down my torso as even new pants fit tighter. Stress and hormones sometimes now make me shed my hair like crazy, my part widening and the creases around my eyes seem to deepen and spread daily.
But I’ll let you in on one thing that I secretly like about myself: My hands.
My hands are not attractive – they never were. When I was young they were bony and cold. As I’ve gotten older, they’ve only gotten worse.
They have…
- Several fingers on each hand that are curved strangely.
- Raised lines from puppy’s teeth years ago.
- A scar from cutting out a birthmark whose edges became too dark and irregular to feel safe.
- A circle of fleshy scar tissue from a baking attempt gone awry.
- Dry, taut skin from heavy exposure to cleaning products.
- Random cuts and aging wounds I don’t remember inflicting.
- A bruised finger and nail from closing a window too quickly.
- Short, unmanicured nails that frequently break.
And yet, I love them. They are hands that aren’t afraid to get dirty.
They have…
- Taken care of a house to make it a home for my family.
- Soothed cries and bandaged wounds.
- Hauled boxes as I paid dues at my first job, and when I moved out for the first time.
- Carried tables across fields for nonprofits.
- Greeted, cheered… and even done that NKOTB wave.
- Handled tools clumsily as I learned how to be a homeowner.
- Played volleyball, assaulted heavy- and speed-bags and attempted golf.
- Absorbed falls.
- Held loved ones close and protected them.
- Provided meals and care.
- Endlessly scribbled, typed and marked with pen.
Each time I fall, these marred hands are what dust the dirt off so I can start again. These hands – they have stories to tell.
xo
Tracy
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It is funny how the same prompt can be interpreted different way. I love the way you went after it. I love how you shared the changes that we can all relate to as moms. Boy have our bodies changed. I also love how you took a part of the body that I do think most people do not think of as a favorite part, but after reading about you describing you hands it gives me an entirely different perspective. They certainly have a story to tell! -LV
akaLaverne recently posted..It
I can’t wait to hop over and see how you approached it. I love the range of interpretations of these prompts. Thanks for linking up!
There are so many times that I’ve looked down at my hands and cringed – They’re so neglected. But they’ve definitely left their mark.
chimomwriter recently posted..Blogging, Business and Philanthropy: Doing It Better
What a great post! I’ve been noticing lately that my hands are starting to look like my mother’s. Considering how much she’s done in her life, that must be a good thing.
Victoria KP recently posted..100 Word Song: A Light Left On
So true! Thanks so much for reading!
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
It’s funny that you chose your hands. My friend and I were just laughing about our hands. We both have bony, freckly hands that have always looked old! I will try to think of the things they can and have done as opposed to the way they look like they should be resting on my retirement rocking chair already
angela recently posted..Who Wears Short Shorts?
Mine look old, too – even back in high school. I never used to like them. It’s funny how the more trashed they get, the more I’ve come to love them!
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
oh how I loved this…just adored it! you’re right, every one of those pieces of us, is a wonderful memory of what we have lived, loved and smiled (or cried) through…they are the best parts of ourselves.
Kir recently posted..Trifecta Weekend: Gathering Buttercups:The Three Day Weekend
Love this!!! I have my mothers hands and look at them frequently and am comforted
I’m the same way.
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
I love that you wrote about your hands today. And I love the things you say about them. So true – our hands take us through a lot of life, don’t they?
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..Are You a Risk Taker?
Hands do so much. They hold so much love in them. When I’m sick, I just want my mother’s hand. It’s the only thing to make me feel better.
Kimberly recently posted..Just Be Enough: Online Dating
I do find that mint chip ice cream helps in a pinch, too.
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
Hands tell so many stories. Whether or not palmistry holds true, I don’t know but you can tell a lot from people’s hands and how they use them. Mine are all puffy and stiff today but I love them none the less.
Pixcel Smith recently posted..Life goes on
I agree – People’s hands are one of the first things that I notice. Hoping yours are feeling more comfortable tonight.
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
What a lovely post. I will take another look at my hands and give them the admiration they deserve. Thank you for leading the way!
Mary @ A Teachable Mom recently posted..Opposites Attract: Ten Years & Counting
Thank you for reading!
chimomwriter recently posted..Our Final Post
I love that you can love your hands and appreciate all they have seen and done. A great start to loving your whole self. You’ve challenged me to find something of my own. Thank you for leading by example!
Frelle recently posted..Light
Thank you. I love the post. So honest and true.
Tere recently posted..Only as Mom-cool as my son thinks I am