Sherri Ross

02
Aug
2015

That Time I Didn’t Break the Internet (aka Swimsuit Selfie)

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!

I didn't break the internet! — I didn’t break the internet!

30
Jul
2015

It’s All About Me: There’s a First for Everything

categories: firsts, forty

This has been THE week of firsts for me. I am utterly spent (and over the moon) and it’s only Thursday! Some were bucket-list “type” items (as in I’ve always wanted to do them but I won’t die if I don’t) and some were just fun happenstances! My firsts this week (in no particular order):

First time at The Club (Have always wanted to go. Done!)
First time seeing all of the Birmingham city lights from atop Red Mountain (not necessarily always wanted to, but that was just because I didn’t know what I was missing. I fell in love with her all over again tonight).
First time meeting Joe Lockett. Thank you Comedienne Joy!
First time getting a turkey in bowling, and then a hambone! (4 strikes in a row)
First time taking a bathing suit selfie (Not something I EVER wanted to do, especially at my current size, but somehow found the courage and it was extremely liberating – blog post coming!).
First time seeing commercial-grade fireworks being set up (have always wanted to see that!).
First time being THISCLOSE to fireworks. It seriously moved me; it was so majestic and powerful.
First time seeing the International Space Station fly over! (Wanted to? Definitely!) “How will I know where it is?” “It will be MOVING ACROSS THE SKY, DINGBAT!”
First time being adopted as a pet.
First time I didn’t cry at my annual GYN exam. (I can’t help it, I just do. But not this time, suckas! Only took 20 years!)

There are more firsts to come, too – the Bloganista mini-con this weekend will be my first blogging conference! I am IN IT TO WIN IT this year, folks. Watch out…this girl is on fire!

IMG_1935_Fotor1 — Goodnight, Birmingham. Sleep well.

The man, the myth, the legend – Joe Lockett – and the QUEEN OF CLEAN Comedienne Joy at the Taste of Birmingham.

The neck bone’s connected to the HAM BONE! I screamed when I got the turkey and then again when I got the ham bone. Poor Vestavia Bowl will never be the same after getting Rossed.

Big fireworks being set up. That doesn’t look sketchy or creepy at all.

IMG_2002_Fotor_ISS — I promise that little white dot in the middle is the International Space Station. I saw it move.

I didn't cry, but I still didn't like my annual GYN visit. — I didn’t cry, but I still didn’t like my annual GYN visit.

26
Jul
2015

Women of the Week

categories: birmingham girls club, See Jane Write

This week my life was filled with amazing women. Many of them, from all walks of life, some new friends, some old friends, and all fun. Thursday evening I attended the Bloganista Mixer with a plethora of fellow women writers and want-to-be-writers (me!). Our fearless leader, Javacia, has been knocking it out of the park since I met her a few years ago seeing The First Lady (it was our first date!) and she hasn’t stopped. She founded and runs an amazing group called See Jane Write for women writers and next Saturday, she is putting on the Bloganista Mini-Con – an all day conference for bloggers and boss ladies. The mixer this past Thursday was a nice time to mingle with fellow attendees, speakers, and panelists while shopping at the best consignment shop in Birmingham, Collage Consignment. I left inspired and with a perfect, cheap dress for the beach next month.

Yesterday, the Birmingham Girls Club was privileged to be invited by BGC member Julia to her family’s place on Yellow Creek. It was a family fun event with lots of amazing food, floats, boats, and laughs. About eight BGC members made the trek, with their families, to a beautiful house on the lake complete with 2 levels, a huge deck and pier, lovely pontoon boat, and more water noodles than you could shake a stick at. We spent the day chatting about life, love, body hair, and so much more. The beautiful women of BGC got a chance to talk in depth in an extremely relaxing environment while also getting to know significant others, which we rarely get to do. After returning from the lake, I then spent with a few more gorgeous gals – pictures below. I hope you had an equally inspiring and relaxing weekend. You deserve it! What did you do to take care of you this weekend?

22
Jul
2015

Bowl Me Over

categories: fitness, sports

I love bowling and have wanted to join a league for many years. I recently got that opportunity with my new job. Our league, Bottoms Up, is comprised of co-workers, spouses, and other friends and family. I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone in getting to know my co-workers and cross an item off my wish list.

Anyone who knows me knows that I go all in when I do something so I ordered my own ball and shoes, which was a great investment. I have always bowled with house balls and believe me when I say I suck at bowling. But I have fun and that’s the reason I go; they play the best dance music and the floor (and your shoes) are so slippery so I look like James Brown out there. I am no good at bowling and I’m fine with that. I don’t throw a gutter ball every time, but I rarely get strikes or spares.

Enter custom ball. I’m convinced it’s a magical ball. I had forewarned my colleagues that I am no good and planned on going to socialize and have fun. They assured me that was the reason for the league and that I was in good company. Our first meet was last Tuesday and each team in our league bowled three games, different teams pitted against each other. My scores were 114, 141, and 150 respectively. I don’t know yet what my handicap is or will be, but the fact that I broke 100 on the first game nearly sent me into a tizzy of happiness. It’s the ball. It rolls lie buttah down the lane; I love that ball.

The best (and worst) part of the experience was the pain in my arm the next day from the muscles I apparently so rarely use. Throwing that 11 pound ball over and over for a few hours really took its toll on my arm and I’m still sore 5 days later. I am going to start doing 1 handed push ups with my other arm to try and balance out my Popeye arm that’s starting to form. I also poured buckets of sweat while bowling because it was hot and I was getting cardio in. Don’t laugh, it’s true.

I’m excited to continue throughout the session and get to know my co-workers more. I’m still quite new at the company and have been exposed to the same people since I got there, for the most part. I am looking forward to getting to know some of the others, making new friends, getting better at aiming, putting power behind the ball, and possibly learning how to hook. I’m even more excited to sweat off some pounds and build up and tone some arm muscles. Fun, fun fitness!

20
Jul
2015

Swimtastic!

categories: fitness

My good friend Jennifer recently started swimming for fitness. She’s a huge inspiration for me with her workouts and goals and we often try to exercise together at least once a week. At my gym there are 2 pools that I hadn’t used until a few weeks ago. She inspired me to pull out the old bathing suit and jump in. She came with me the first time to share some exercises and breathing tips then proceeded to put us all to shame and swim some very long laps the entire long length of the pool. I, on the other hand, swam short laps from side to side. I know, I know…I’m such an overachiever.

The day after my first pool excursion I was so sore. I didn’t even do a lot, but I felt it everywhere and was glad for the pain. It meant I was using muscles I hadn’t used in quite some time during my other workouts. I know my legs and torso were sore from my baby laps from side to side, but my arms were sore from the pull ups. Where I work out, the Wellness Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Southside, is also a therapy facility. There are therapy bars and other equipment installed on the sides of the pool. So I did pull ups in the pool. MY FIRST UNASSISTED PULL UP! 😉 (cross fitters and others will get that joke) Jennifer and I each did 3 sets of reps on the pull up bars and then swam some more. It was a great workout and now I’m hooked.

We’re going to start going regularly, but even if she’s unable to go sometime, I am going. I like it THAT much. One of my biggest issues when exercising is breathing correctly. I think swimming more and practiciing correctly will really help with that.

If you ever want to join Jennifer and I for a swim, or just me, please reach out. I’d love to show you my slammin’ dog paddle or just show you around my gym (which I’m totally in love with and no one seems to know exists).

I’m ready for “Mermaids”: