Right here, right now.

Yes, this is another letter. The idea is brought to you by BlogHer. And… go.

Dear Body o’ Mine:

We’re coming to an understanding, you and I, which is a good thing. I’m happy with how things are turning out. Because I’m in the mood for lists today:

1. I love how strong you are. You can really get the job done, whether it’s housework, heavy lifting, gardening, or lugging a heavy buggy up and down steep flights of stairs without protest. I really appreciate that, and enjoy your strength every day.

2. You’ve managed to cook up some great kids. So many of my friends and relatives have had problems conceiving and through pregnancy, and you have been really easy to maintain on that front. I know how incredibly, amazingly lucky I am to have no problems with fertility, and I thank you for it.

3. I know I complain about getting zits and blackheads even though you are pushing 30, but secretly? I like picking at them, so it’s not such a hardship. I’m probably jinxing myself by saying this, but sometimes I like to live dangerously.

4. You’ve got this amazing ability to bounce back from illness and injury without any permanent damage. I was really concerned towards the end of our last pregnancy when I read that some 30% of all hip/back pain sufferers have it after the baby is born as well, but your pain was literally gone right after the birth. Well done. I’m still grateful for being able to walk around without pain over a year later.

5. I’m sorry I’ve spent so many years of our lives not liking you very much, and wishing you looked like something else. You are what you are. I could learn a lot from that. Thanks for being so patient with me.

6. We’re going to be together, you and I, for a long time. I promise that I will look after you and keep you as healthy as possible. It’s the least I could do, considering all you do for me. In that light, I will start going to bed earlier every night. Staying up so late isn’t fair to any of us.

This letter isn’t particularly profound or moving, but it’s how I feel about you right here, right now. I’m bleary from waking up too early and going to bed too late, I’ve got a little bit of a cold, and I have kids running around the room distracting me.

You’re a good body, so thanks for giving me so much to enjoy in life.

Love,

Your resident Soul

PS — I also promise to stop thinking your face isn’t pretty enough. ‘Tis another item on my “working on it” list.