Thanks Body

For almost 32 years now you have put up with some terrible abuse. From almost 3 decades of dancing to years of unhealthy eating habits and unnatural substances...I thank you. Today I give praise to this body who has continued to love me and stick through everything with me despite the horrible things I say about it out loud and in secret. Thank you so very much body for working damn near perfect, for simply getting one foot in front of the other day in and day out.

Thank you feet for withstanding my love for being barefoot and my equal love for 4 inch stiletto shoes. When the time comes for a podiatrist, don't be too proud to tell me and hopefully I won't be too proud to call one for you.

Thank you ankles for withstanding toe shoes and never breaking despite my need to dance and run and fall down A LOT.

Thank you knees, for you have put up with so much pressure and force. Thank you for fighting through the years of pain and swelling and me almost refusing to give you anything to help you work better. I hope the bits of physical therapy and glucosamine condroitin are enough to keep you going for a long time.

Thank you hips for letting me do as much as I have. I'm sorry I curse at you for not being more flexible. I will love you for the flexibility you give. Let's continue to stretch and see where we can go as a team.

Thank you internal organs for the strength to push out the toxins I can't help but put in. Thank you for doing your job. I hope the vitamins & the changes I have made in the past 7 years have made you feel better about working for me. Everyday I am working towards a two way relationship.

Thank you body for allowing me to grow and give birth to a healthy child and recover well. I have forgiven the displacement of my hips & pelvis. He is worth all of it.

Thank you veins for properly transporting blood to every part of my body. Forgive me for the way I talk about your spider variety, I know they hurt for you too.

Thank you hands, fingers, & nails for putting up with so much abuse. Verbally & physically. I am proud of the strength you display and I will do my best to be stronger for you. Nails, no more acrylic...ever. Fingers, I know you need me not wear jewelry and if I do, I will do better about putting on ointment to sooth your anger. Hands, I embrace your power.

Thank you wrists. I am sorry for the scars, but am proud of the healing you have done...in more way than one.

Thank you shoulders and back for continuing to stand tall despite the pain and tension. I am so happy you can tell my husband your needs so clearly. You hold a very important job by displaying a very important mural so your brave communication benefits us both. Eternally grateful.

Thank you teeth for hanging in there. You keep doing well despite the things I have put in my mouth from metal & chemical to things that stain & contain way too much sugar. Keep on doing your thing and I promise I will be able to give you the works someday.

Thank you eyes for putting up with years of me sleeping in my contacts and eye makeup. You taught me my lesson and never again. New glasses get here next week and you get even more time off.

Thanks be to my hair. You have shone bright, literally, with almost every color man could imagine. You have experienced almost every styling tool with great courage. I'm sorry for the times I got angry at you for losing thickness. I understand, I've changed too. We're still great partners. Thank you for your consistent grace and pride. Thank you for trusting me.

Thank you skin. I know I say terrible things about you. I have put you through so much trying to alter you, tanning, creams, make up. I only want to enhance you. I hope the water intake is good along with the vitamins and perfume-free lotion. You are so very strong. We will see a dermatologist soon.

Body, you are the epitome of unconditional love. I realize that you have never let me down. You keep trying, you keep going. I realize we can get through anything together. Today and everyday from here on out I will honor you, love you, and give you the praise you deserve. I cannot promise that there will not be days when you make me angry or I feel you're not doing your part in some way. Please, have patience with me. My intention is not to take you for granted. I know you're doing your best. We're in this together, to the end.