Enough With “Bounce Back”: Reframing Body Image & Taking Shame Out of the Closet

This week we’re diving into a topic that feels tender, vulnerable, and oh-so-universal: body image in motherhood. From Target pajama fails in the hospital to Pelotons collecting dust in the garage, we’re getting real about what it looks like to live in (and love) our changing bodies.In this conversation, we cover:* Why “the weight will just fall off” might be the least helpful phrase ever* Shame in the closet—why keeping old jeans in sight isn’t actually motivating* Joyful movement vs. punishment: how to reframe exercise* Permission to let movement look different in different seasons (walking counts!)* How compassion—not shame—actually helps us show up better in our bodiesWe laughed (hello lanolin-stained tops 🙈), we cried, and we wrestled honestly with how much pressure we put on ourselves to “get back” instead of asking, what’s actually good and kind for me in this season?Things We Loved This WeekSponsor Love: This episode is brought to you by Pediped. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.💡 Other shoutouts from this convo:* Mindset by Carol Dweck (strikes again 🙌)* Peloton (don’t sponsor us 😂)* ClassPass (DO sponsor us please 🙌)* Evelyn Tribole & intuitive eatingPut it Into ActionSome actionable ways to rethink body image with kindness this week:* Audit the “shoulds.” Ask yourself: what am I telling myself I should be doing that isn’t actually helping me? (Think Peloton guilt, old jeans in the closet, or meal plans that feel like punishment.)* Choose fun first. If movement bored you today, try something that sparks joy instead—walking, dancing in your kitchen, or a new class. Joyful movement counts.* Reframe your closet. Keep only the clothes that feel helpful right now. Box up or donate the rest so your daily choices don’t come with shame attached.* Replace shame with compassion. When the critical voice pops up, remind yourself: “If shame worked, it would’ve worked by now. Compassion is the way forward.”💌 Want the reflection questions and key takeaways delivered straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe at GetMomReady.comGet Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe