Every summer, I find myself hearing the same predictable excuses from fellow moms. While the sun reflects off the shimmering pool and children leap in with joyful splashes, the moms lounge on the sidelines, sharing reasons for not taking the plunge. The kids’ laughter fades as they sense the heaviness in their mothers’ voices.
- “My arms are too flabby.”
- “My stomach isn’t flat enough.”
- “I don’t want to ruin my hair.”
- “I feel too pasty and wrinkly.”
- “I had too many snacks today.”
- “My legs lack definition.”
In this chorus of self-criticism, moms try to outdo one another with lists of insecurities, many stemming from the changes that come from bearing and nurturing the little ones splashing nearby.
But not me. While they sit, I’m waist-deep in water, my little one perched on my hip.
You might assume I’m one of those fit moms who effortlessly maintains a flawless physique. You know the type: they do yoga, run marathons, and flaunt a size small swimsuit. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not me.
Allow me to share the truth about my body. I have cellulite on my thighs (thanks to genetics), and I wear a two-piece that accommodates my curvy figure. My skin is marked with scars from medical devices that help manage my health condition. Yes, I have an insulin pump clipped to my swimsuit, and a receiver always at arm’s reach to monitor my blood sugar levels.
Here’s the reality: these devices keep me alive. The scars? They symbolize my journey, each telling a story of triumph over adversity. My skin may be dotted with imperfections, but it’s a testament to resilience.
I may not be the most glamorous person at the pool, but I refuse to let insecurities dictate my experiences with my children. I arrive with a messy bun, a swimsuit I found on sale, and a chaotic assortment of pool necessities for a brief outing. Yet, when I take off my cover-up and step into the water, I’m showing my kids that joy isn’t dependent on physical appearance. I’m teaching them that beauty comes in many forms and that my health struggles won’t stop me from enjoying life’s pleasures—like splashing in the sun-soaked pool.
By rejecting the notion that I’m not fit to swim because of my appearance, I’m instilling in my children a powerful lesson: their worth isn’t determined by how they look in a swimsuit.
Honestly, I dream of a day when I can toss my insulin pump and other medical gear into the abyss, celebrating the freedom that would bring. But for now, this is my reality—a body that is strong, albeit imperfect.
Every woman has her own insecurities, regardless of how perfect she seems on the surface. I choose to embrace my strengths and not let my doubts affect my children. I refuse to let them sit on the sidelines while life passes them by.
So this summer, I’m diving into the pool—and the next, and the next after that. I’ll be laughing, splashing, and soaking up every moment.
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