It’s been sweltering outside lately. For the first time in ages, I’ve decided I don’t care what others think. Life’s too fleeting, and summer’s too hot to hide beneath long sleeves that cover me from head to toe.
This year marked a significant turning point for me—I rocked a two-piece bathing suit, even though I never reached my so-called “goal weight” (whatever that is). I also learned to let go of my worries about how others perceive my mid-sized body. Or at least, I tried to stop worrying about what I assumed they thought when they saw my body on display.
Does it sound overly dramatic to call this a pivotal moment? If so, you might have lived a life in a body that, while not perfect, is accepted by society. My body has fluctuated between two extremes: a straight size during my eating disorder and a curvy mid-sized figure. I’ll be honest—I’ve never felt entirely at ease in either. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t about my actual size or weight.
2020: A Year of Change
2020 was supposed to be my year, and it kind of was.
You see, I turned 30 that year. I swore it would be the year I got everything in order. I started working on my mental health, and my mom was recovering well enough for our family to breathe again. Most importantly, I was determined to lose weight. The long-awaited year I’d get fit and pose for pictures with my family without feeling embarrassed. And then, everything changed.
I’m not one to look for silver linings, but if I had to pick one, it would be that lockdown pushed me toward body acceptance in ways I never imagined possible. I always thought the path to acceptance would be through countless weigh-ins, believing that reaching a specific number would finally bring happiness and self-acceptance. But that’s not how it happened at all.
For two decades, my goal hadn’t been to accept my body at any size. Instead, it was about making myself smaller—taking up less space to ensure those around me felt comfortable, hoping that would make me feel comfortable too. How messed up is that? While this thought process is insidious, it’s also not uncommon.
A Conversation That Changed Everything
The motivation to share my journey comes from a powerful conversation I had with Dr. Mia Thompson, a specialist in body image and recovery. Dr. Mia expressed her vision for a world where we can have a harmonious relationship with food, our bodies, and ourselves. What a brilliant concept! She went on to discuss steps toward achieving this peaceful existence. “We can nurture body positivity by seeking out the hopeful moments in our daily lives.” I embraced this advice wholeheartedly.
Wearing My First Two-Piece
Wearing my first two-piece bathing suit didn’t stop life from going on.
When I unveiled my two-piece, I concentrated less on how my body appeared in it and more on the enjoyable day ahead. The sun was shining! It was hot, but I didn’t feel like I was going to melt. My kids’ laughter and their excited screams when they heard the wave pool siren—that’s what I focused on. And honestly, that’s what I remember.
At no point did I worry about what others thought of my body. Not once did I think about how much of my stomach or stretch marks were visible, except when I nearly lost my top to a particularly strong wave (D cups and strapless tops just don’t mix).
This shift in mindset can be credited, in part, to my conversation with Dr. Mia. “Here’s the reality: for every person you think is judging you, they’re probably just as self-conscious about their own appearance,” she stated. I had never considered that perspective. We’re all more concerned with ourselves than with critiquing others.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is this: You might not feel at ease seeing my mid-sized body in a bathing suit, and that’s perfectly fine. What you choose to wear is about your comfort, not anyone else’s. Don’t wait for the next New Year or your birthday to begin your own journey of body acceptance. Trust me; it’s a wild ride filled with ups and downs, but it’s one worth taking.
For more on this topic, check out this blog post on body acceptance. It offers insightful advice that could help you on your journey. For those seeking advice on home insemination, this resource is a great option. If you’re looking for further information, this page provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Home insemination tips
- Self insemination methods
- Body positivity journey
- Mid-sized body confidence
- Summer swimwear for curvy bodies
Summary:
This article encourages individuals to embrace body acceptance and enjoy swim season, regardless of size. It shares a personal journey of overcoming insecurities and learning to focus on self-acceptance rather than societal expectations. With insights from conversations with body image experts, the message is clear: prioritize your comfort and happiness, and don’t wait for an occasion to begin your journey of self-love.