I’ve started this post a few times, and each time I’ve deleted what I’ve written and started over. I can’t quite find the right words to express my thoughts, but I want to get this post out so here goes nothing. By the way, I’m currently listening to my ‘Brave’ playlist while doing this post. I need it.
I have a very good friend, Jennifer, who swims with me each week. She and I have a lot in common, but one of our biggest differences is body image perception. She is rocking it in that department while I still struggle with it nearly every minute of my life. I am getting better though, thanks to her and a ton of other inspiring women in my world who are pouring out body positive messages and experiences. Jennifer has posted numerous pictures of herself in bathing suits. Granted, she is much smaller than I am, but that still takes guts no matter what your size. She absolutely floors me when she does it and I had always hoped one day I would have the courage. Well, this week I threw caution to the wind and just did it.
The response was overwhelmingly positive! It received more ‘likes’ on Facebook and ‘loves’ on Instagram than any picture I’ve ever posted before (and I’ve posted A LOT). I wasn’t scared of negative backlash, though I knew it would be there. I wasn’t scared of the response at all – I posted it for me, not anyone else. I just wanted to see if I could do it. Posting that picture took more courage than I think I had ever mustered in my life and you know what? It turned out to be nothing! I didn’t break the internet (from people closing their mobile devices, apps, or computers) and it didn’t do anything other than build me up. I was completely floored and touched by the words of love, kindness, acceptance, and gratitude that I received – from both women AND men – thanking me for posting it and reminding them to love themselves more.
The point of this post was not to brag about what I did or all the words of love I received – it’s to tell you that your biggest fear or shame likely isn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. I haven’t worn shorts in over 10 years in public because of how I feel about my legs and not wanting to subject others to them. I haven’t worn a 2 piece bathing suit in probably 20 years. I barely wear a one piece and that’s usually once a year to go to a private pool. I don’t want people to see my body, I don’t want to be judged for my stretch marks, my cellulite, or my girth. I don’t want other people to have to look at that. You know what? The more I am around the true, very real, awe-inspiring Birmingham Girls Club and my friends, the more I realize I am just like everyone else. We all have our imperfections that we want to hide, but these women are not hiding them. They are just being themselves and loving who they are, flaws and all. These women, along with Jennifer and more, are really helping me let go of all my hang ups so I can just be me. There aren’t enough words to let them know how much they have helped me and how much I appreciate them, but I’ll continue trying. We’ll continue rocking our respective worlds with self-love, body positive messages, and acceptance. And to all those wonderful friends and strangers who commented on my post on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, thank you for your words. You have no idea how they touched me and truly helped change my life. And thanks to their support, I just bought my first 2 piece bathing suit in over 20 years along with 2 pairs of shorts. Take THAT!
18 Comments on That Time I Didn’t Break the Internet (aka Swimsuit Selfie)
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You might have a lot of inspiring women in your life, but YOU are the inspiring woman in many other people’s lives. Keep up the good work, beautiful 🙂
Thank you, Smokey! I appreciate the kind words and am thankful I am surrounded by awesome women like you to keep me going!
This is beautiful! YOU are beautiful! Sometimes putting yourself out there is very, very scary. Like you, I’ve received nothing but positivity. But it’s always a leap of faith! Having that faith & confidence in yourself is the point, & sometimes I’m faking it while trying to make it! So happy to see you appreciate yourself for the amazing woman you are—inside & out!
Thank you! It’s all because of you, so you get all the kudos. I appreciate you helping me see myself through new eyes without even trying. You’re that good. 🙂
I am incredibly proud of you. You are gorgeous, inspiring and wonderful.
Look who’s talking! 🙂 Our talk in your chair really hit home for me. I am so proud of you and thankful you shared your story.
I am insanely proud of you, gorgeous woman.
Reblogged this on Hip Hop B'ham.
Thank you so much for reblogging! I look forward to reading more from you, new friend!
You’re welcome
Good for you!!!! I love reading posts about body image! sending you kudos from rhode island!
Thank you, Lindsay! I’m slowly getting there, but we have to start somewhere, right? I look forward to your posts!
So proud of you! One day I will be there too!
You are beyond beautiful so I have no doubt it will be any day now. I can’t wait for it! Thank you. 🙂
I am truly the hardest on myself!
Great post! You look happy and fabulous! 🙂
This is so inspiring!!! You have no idea… You, my dear, are amazing…AND beautiful!!!