As I lounged poolside, I couldn’t help but notice a stunning woman with her perfectly toned physique, clad in a chic bikini. With multiple kids in tow, she radiated confidence, while I sat there sinking into my own insecurities. Thoughts spiraled through my mind like an endless loop:
- “I don’t deserve to wear a swimsuit.”
- “My body is lumpy, marked by stretch marks and sagging skin.”
- “My legs are unshaven, and I still haven’t shed the baby weight.”
- “I don’t belong here.”
- “I don’t look good enough.”
While I wallowed in self-doubt, the confident mom was fully engaged with her children, diving into the fun and creating unforgettable memories. It struck me: I was squandering precious moments fretting about my appearance when I should have been enjoying every splash and giggle.
Last summer marked a turning point for me. I realized that I was wasting energy on self-criticism. I penned my feelings about body image and vowed to embrace the summer fully. I knew that if I let negativity dominate my thoughts, I would inevitably miss out on joy-filled experiences with my kids.
So, instead of embarking on a restrictive diet or punishing workout regime to fit into a bikini, I simply decided to put on my damn swimsuit.
Throughout the summer, I wore my swimsuit at every opportunity. I enjoyed swimming with my kids, making sandcastles at the beach, and even took a few daring rides down water slides. I realized that I had wasted far too much energy critiquing my body and myself. The real change I needed was to cultivate love for my body—appreciating its strengths and the life it has given me.
I haven’t lost the baby weight, and maybe I never will, but that’s perfectly fine. My swimsuit is my ticket to enjoyment, and letting the fear of judgment hold me back would mean missing out on countless joyful moments. My kids won’t remember the size of my jeans; they’ll cherish memories of a mom who was confident, who loved to swim, and who fiercely embraced both them and herself.
Learning to love my body didn’t happen overnight. It requires ongoing effort to combat those self-deprecating thoughts that have played in my mind for decades. I had to teach myself to appreciate my mom bod and grant myself grace. I reflected on what I value about my body and what I want my children to appreciate about theirs. I learned to treat my body with kindness, speaking to it as I would to my children or friends. I found joy in running, staying active with my kids, and wearing clothes that fit well, rather than worrying about size tags.
It’s crucial to fill your mind with positive affirmations about your body to counteract the inevitable negative thoughts that may arise. Don’t fall into the trap of self-doubt.
Recently, on a beach getaway, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror while wearing my swimsuit. I noticed the purple stretch marks that tell a story of motherhood, and for a brief moment, I questioned my confidence. But then I remembered how strong and happy I felt in that moment. Yes, the negative thoughts still lingered, but I refused to give them power.
Later that day, while paddleboarding, my husband complimented my swimsuit—the very one that accentuated my stretch marks. But it was also the one that made me feel confident and empowered. I radiated that energy, and I was done missing out on life.
Life is fleeting, and time spent with my kids and husband is precious. I refuse to let insecurities hold me back. This summer, I’m diving into every experience and proudly wearing my swimsuit.
So, to all the moms out there—put on your damn swimsuit. Whether it’s a bikini, a swim skirt, or a rash guard, just wear it. Dive into summer, create lasting memories, drop the comparisons, and begin the journey toward accepting and loving your body.
For more insight on embracing motherhood and body positivity, check out this related blog post or explore Progyny for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers trusted syringe kits to help you on your journey.
Summary
Embrace your body and put on that swimsuit this summer! Don’t let insecurities hold you back from making cherished memories with your children. Shift your focus from self-criticism to self-love and acceptance. Life is short; enjoy every moment by confidently wearing your swimsuit and creating lasting experiences.
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