Fake it til you make it.

It’s one of those quotes that’s equally infuriating and powerful at the same time. Infuriating because it’s so hard to act a certain way when you don’t feel a certain way. And it’s powerful because if you can override your feelings and put on an act, you can actually change how you think about a situation. And that is awesome.

Right now — no surprise — I’m feeling this way about body image. Having been at this goat rodeo twice now, three months post-partum seems to be when the “itch” really begins for me. The “itch” to get back into shape.

No doubt having a baby changes your figure–as it should! And after Maya, I still had time to dedicate to the gym, to making my health a priority. Withn four months I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight. But now with two kids and being back at work, I just haven’t quite found my groove with respect to food or fitness. Which means I’m carrying the last 7-10 baby weight pounds.

It’s not just the number on the scale that’s bugging me; that really matters far less to me than how my clothes fit (or don’t). And even more than the tag inside my jeans, I just want to feel a little more in control of my health. So that I’m here for the long haul.

So since I don’t have the body I want at the moment (and likely never will — and that’s OK, too), I might as well rock the body I have, right??

It’s not easy to subscribe to the whole “fake it til you make it” mindset, but  I’m trying–I really am. Especially after reading this gorgeously written piece, “Babies Ruin Bodies” that a friend sent me. My body is a gift. All our bodies are. And because I love that piece so much, it almost feels hypocritical to talk about my appearance — because I do whole-heartedly appreciate and value my body for all it has done: carried two healthy, beautiful children into this world and nourished them once they were born. That’s freaking amazing. Amazeballs (who else loves those Sprint TV spots?!)

But I don’t think appreciating my body for what it is implies I am wrong for wanting to feel better in my own skin. I know dieting isn’t the solution for me and that a calm, measured approach to food and fitness is what I need. Now that Ben is sleeping 10-12 hours straight, I can meal prep at night and work out in the morning — not all the time, but when I can. You know ….the whole #wycwyc mentality.

So this morning I put on a new dress that I feel good in. Slipped on some heels. And walked into work with a purpose: to look the part of a confident, smart young woman. And guess what? It worked! Just seeing myself in a different light, I had a really kick-ass day at the office.

I’m not saying every day will be this easy. But until I have my groove back, at least I can work on dressing the part. And then maybe what I’m feeling will follow suit. We can only hope.

The important thing is that when the work day is done, I come home to my wonderful little family: a strong and loving husband, a smart and sassy little girl, a sweet and cooing bouncing baby boy and a ginormous but gentle pup who gives unrequited love.

That’s ultimately what matters most. And if, after a few months of tightening the reins, there is a little less of me to love … great. But if I stayed the exact same size, I know I’d still be blessed in every way, shape and form.

How about you? Do you have trouble faking it til you make it, or has it been something you’ve embraced during challenging times?