‘Moms, put your damn swimsuits on!’ By Rebecca West ( Fredericton, NB)

As I mindlessly scrolled through by newsfeed today and came across this paticular video, I was reminded that bathing suit season is upon us. Each September I make a promise to myself that “I will not go another summer feeling uncomfortable in my bathing suit, in shorts, in tank tops and that this is the year I will change my body so that I can effortlessly enjoy next summer’.  And yet as each summer approaches, I beat myself up that my body is still not Baywatch-worthy. #FAIL

The beach is really my worst nightmare. I mean, of course I love the thought of it, but dread the necessary attire. I gaze in jealousy and admiration at that mom running around with her children. Although I really haven’t even noticed, she too doesn’t have the ‘perfect’ figure. And as I lay like a starfish- afraid to move, with a towel over my less than ‘perfect’ belly watching this beautiful mom, all I notice is the infectious laughter of her children, the smiles and the fun that surrounds them- not her body.

How narcissistic and self absorbed am I to think that everyone at the beach is looking at my saggy butt. In reality, 95% of them are far too busy analyzing their own saggy butts to worry about mine. And it would seem that I would rather miss out on some pretty amazing moments, than possibly subject strangers to my stretch marks and cellulite. The ridiculousness of this statement is embarrassing to even say out loud- right?

And of course I strive to be healthier, more active and confident in the body I have, no matter what size I am or become. But, in the mean time I will make a new promise to myself that “other’s opinions of me or my body are none of my business, so get in that damn water!”

Happy summer everyone!

xo

Rebecca

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