When the author decided to freeze her eggs, she sought advice from women who had already gone through the process. One common warning she received was about the physical side effect of bloating. Despite preparing a wardrobe to hide the bloating, she found herself not caring about her appearance during the process. This lack of concern surprised her, as she had always been conscious of her body image since a young age. Even though she had insecurities about her body, she had worked hard to feel more comfortable and had developed a positive attitude towards her body.
The author recalls a memory from her third birthday party where Jasmine, her favorite movie character, expressed excitement over cucumbers instead of cake. This memory stuck with her as she associated it with prioritizing appearance over enjoyment. Her brain was wired around food and body image from a young age, leading to insecurities that persisted into her adult years. However, despite these insecurities, she was able to develop a more positive relationship with her body through self-acceptance and self-care practices.
As the author underwent the egg freezing process, she injected herself with hormones multiple times a day, experienced physical discomfort, and had to limit physical activity. Despite these challenges, she unexpectedly found herself embracing her body mentally, physically, and emotionally. She felt strong and empowered by what her body was capable of enduring. This newfound appreciation for her body made her grateful and also made her realize the time and energy she had wasted in the past criticizing her appearance.
The experience of freezing her eggs not only allowed the author to appreciate her body but also made her reflect on her past negative self-image. She acknowledged the mental and emotional toll that criticizing her appearance had taken on her and expressed anger towards herself for engaging in such negative thinking. Despite her previous insecurities, the egg freezing process helped her to feel empowered and grateful for her body’s resilience.
Overall, the author’s decision to freeze her eggs led to a shift in her perception of her body. Through the physical challenges of the process, she was able to appreciate her body’s strength and resilience. This newfound appreciation allowed her to let go of past insecurities and negative self-image, leading to a more positive relationship with her body. The experience served as a reminder to prioritize self-acceptance and self-care over outward appearance, ultimately changing her perspective on body image and self-worth.
