Here’s a Little Holiday Story for You
Over the holidays, I was in the kitchen prepping the meal, fresh out of the shower. I didn’t bother putting on a bra because, let’s be real, is there anything worse than trying to wrestle one on when your skin is still damp? So there I was, in my sweatshirt, my breasts doing their thing—sagging naturally, pointing where they like to point. That’s just how they are. And honestly? I’ve made peace with that.
As I was slicing cheese and veggies, a family member walked in and, with a smirk, said, “Geez. Is a bra on the menu today?”
I know they meant it as a joke. But there it was—that comment, the kind that has the power to trigger a downward spiral of shame, self-doubt, and body hate.
Now, let me tell you, if this had been the old version of me, I would’ve been devastated. I’d have run to my room, thrown on a bra as fast as I could, and probably spent days replaying the moment in my head, feeling ashamed and hating my body.
But this Maura? The one who’s done the work? She caught herself. I saw the flicker of old feelings start to creep in, but before they could take over, I stopped them. I grabbed the tools I’ve been working so hard to build and reminded myself of a very important truth:
I don’t owe anyone perky breasts.
I don’t owe anyone anything when it comes to my body. My breasts aren’t here to be pleasing to someone else. My body isn’t here to meet anyone else’s standards or expectations. It’s mine. It exists for me. And that’s enough.
So instead of crumbling under the weight of their comment, I looked them dead in the eye and said, “Nah. I’m free balling it today.”
Eventually, I did put a bra on—but not because of what they said. I did it because I wanted to, because I felt like it. And that’s the difference.
This little moment was such a reminder of how far I’ve come. The old me would’ve let that comment dictate how I felt about myself, but the new me knows better. I’ve learned that comments about my body are just that—comments. They hold no power unless I let them.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this:
Your body doesn’t owe anyone anything.
You don’t need to have perky breasts, toned abs, sculpted arms, or anything else to be “acceptable.” Your body isn’t an ornament for others to admire or critique. It’s yours. Period.
And here’s the truth: comments from others about your body say far more about them than they ever will about you. You don’t need to internalize them. You don’t need to let them impact how you feel about yourself.
You have the power to let your body peacefully exist without those comments taking up space in your mind. It’s not easy—it’s work. But I promise, it’s worth it.
So the next time someone says something about your body, I hope you find the strength to let it roll off your shoulders. Maybe even hit them with a little humor like I did. Because at the end of the day, your body is for you, and you don’t owe anyone a thing.
Love your body. Defend it. And most of all, own it. ❤️