Heat wave calls for resurrecting this one from years past... Friends, I’m noticing a theme: the apologizing for what are really and truly perfect as they are: bodies. From my heart, please know that when you come to my office, I don't need anything from you, beyond your willingness to show up. I don't need you to be having (what you consider) a good hair day, it looks great as is. I don't need your toenails to be freshly painted, or your body hair to be manicured in any particular way. I don't need you to be sweat free ever but esp in July, or wound-free or acne-free or eczema-free. I certainly don't need you not to have varicose veins or stretch marks or scars. I'm not sure what you think other people's bodies are like (actually, unless you work with bodies, maybe it's unimaginable how marvelously varied and animal-real they are) but I assure you, they are all in multidimensional, multisensory, technicolor. There is 6 days/months of leg hair stubble, there is free-flowing underarm hair, there is every possible configuration of facial and body hair on people of all genders. There is sunburn, and often many gradations of skin tones on the same body. There are many different body odors, which btw, are not "bad" or even a little offensive. There are many damp shirts on 90 degree days. There are sweaty palms, swollen ankles, and scars of every type and origin, everywhere. There are many, many blackened soles of feet, just like yours, because those summer sandals are cute! Please, you are welcome as you are, check the "Oh no, I haven't gotten a pedicure in so long" at the door. You, with your "I didn't have time to shave or maybe even shower today, can't remember, because I have 2 kids under the age of 3 and shit is really hectic" hairy legs. You, with your "Riding my bike is the activity that brings me the most joy" wet shirt. You, with your "I stopped taking birth control pills and my hormones are ?!?!" acne. You don't have to apologize for having a body, anywhere, anytime, but esp not in my office. Change nothing, please. See you soon. #comeasyouare #changenothing #beyou #acupuncture #healing #haveabody #beaperson #iloveyou #xo 📷 by @melodee_solomon 💗