Something for Every Body: A Love Letter to Any Body

By Millie Jackson

Beloved Body,

You are such an amazing life-partner. You and I have been together from the very beginning, and I know that we will be together until death do us part. You are always there for me, so attentive and responsive. Where would I be without you?

Thank you for being authentic and truthful. I appreciate your down-to-earth qualities. I can count on you to be real with me, and for that I am grateful. You are such a great communicator. I promise to do a better job of listening and responding to your needs.

I love the way you adeptly adapt to changes. You do your best in every moment, no matter what. I admire and respect that. You are so resourceful and efficient even when I admittedly make life hard on you. You always have our best interests at heart.

I value your strength and support: those legs--the way they carry us through the day; those arms--the way they embrace life; those hands--so dexterous. You make life possible!

You are always willing to work through the night doing important maintenance and repairs while I sleep. You make it seem so easy. Sorry when I eat so close to bedtime. I know that is distracting for you.

Thank you for being a sentient being. I enjoy you: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching. And that sense of taste--we have had so much fun exploring exotic cuisines. Okay, maybe I have enjoyed that more than you have.

Mmmm, and the lovers we have shared and, of course, our amazing alone time connections. I love the way you respond to me!

I have so many fond memories of our times together. Yes, there have been painful times, too, but I know that is just part of our life-long journey together. I apologize for times I haven't done my part. I will do my best to keep you safe and healthy. I can do a better job with simple actions like dressing weather appropriate, easing into strenuous activity and protecting you from too much sun.

Remember the time we got lost on that hike, and the sun was really draining our energy? We happened upon a waterfall. It was so refreshing. What a magical moment to share with you. Let's take more walks. I promise to remember to bring water and sunscreen. We'll even stretch before we go.

You are so important to me. I pledge to make more time for you. I know that I can get busy and ignore you. You deserve better than that. I will no longer take you for granted.

You have tolerated a lot of criticism from me. I regret my unkindness. I am going to shower you with praises. I want you to know how wonderful you are and how much I appreciate you. I will remind you. I look forward to lovingly connecting with you in front of the mirror. I accept you unconditionally just as you have always done with me.

Let's work together to be as well as humanly possible. I am ready to step up and do my part to keep our relationship healthy. I will improve upon how I provide you with water, nutrition, movement and rest. I will let you breathe freely without restrictions. You truly inspire me!

Let's invigorate our love affair--together savor life with health, vitality and passion. I will continue to learn how to be a better partner to you. I promise to love and cherish you the best way that I know how for the rest of our life.

Always,

Your Lovingly Grateful Life-Partner