Dear Morgan,
Growing up I thought that my muscular shoulders, neck and arms were sculpted by the many hours I spent competitive swimming. Once high school was over and these muscles only diminished slightly I assumed it was something like 'muscle memory'. I spent much of my late twenties trying to tone down my body, trying to make my arms leaner or my butt smaller. Don't get me wrong, in general I have been content with the way I looked but I think that was mostly apathy toward my appearance, not confidence. However, some revelations in my thirties have changed my body confidence for the better and you are the reason.
I want to save you these wasted hours and tell you now that you and I were apparently born with the same genetics. You are only six and you have the same muscles that I have and you have never swam a full lap, nor spent your teenage years in weight rooms. Apparently, I was a good swimmer because of my body type, not the other way around. Take advantage of this fact because it will make you a better athlete than most if you put the effort in. Don't be discouraged that you may never be a 'slim' body type such as you see in magazines. Or wonder why when you diet it never seems to change. Embrace your athletic, strong, healthy body and don't give it a second thought.
And when someone asks you how you got those six pack abs, smile and enjoy it. After children, they may not be there anymore ;-)
Love,
Mom
