Jeni.... I know you won't believe this... but I see your soul in your eyes and in your face and you are a BEAUTIFUL woman. That is why Nate loves you. I love the "now" you... very much. Your pic makes me smile. ..with feelings of joy inside me that come from your eyes and face.
I agree... it's hard for us when we are no longer able to see the person we used to be when we look in the mirror. Some days I get a glance of that 'now' person I am that I prefer not to see..... other days she can still be hidden...lol. Wether we like it or now... our bodies will change with each passing day. However, our soul and spirit can remain forever young...and that is what I see in your 'now' face.
So...you need to love her Jeni....wrap your arms around yourself and tell you body "I love you and thank you for all you do for me and all you have done for me." Our body is a living thing... just like our plants.. and it needs to hear acceptance and love from us... it has performed miracle after miracle, day after day after day. Speaking love and acceptance to our own body... is speaking love and acceptance to ourself. And we are worthy of that. You are worthy of giving yourself that.
The "now" you is just as loveable and wonderful as all phases of you in the past. I really, really, really like the 'today' woman I see! You have a "new" and "different" beauty than you did 2 years ago... and it's a good beauty. We have to accept our new selves that we become.... all facets of ourselves. YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL!.... and I mean it! Thank you for entrusting us with the photo.... it is worthy to be shared everywhere.