I am in North Carolina on vacation with my kids.
It is my favorite place in the world.
I have been coming here since I was in high school.
That was over thirty years ago.
I am about 40 pounds heavier than I was back in high school and college and pre-kids.
I am comfortable in my (fuller) skin.
And I am trying to lose weight.
Not because I lack confidence or feel badly about myself but because I am heavier than I would like to be and heavier than I should be if I really want to be at my healthiest.
But I don’t hate my body because of that.
I love my body!
I appreciate what it can do, and while parts of it are bigger than I’d like them to be right now, there are parts that I think look pretty good.
My daughters are 7, 10 and 12 years old.
My sons are 9 and 14.
And goddammit, I am not going to teach my girls — or boys — that only a certain kind of female body is allowed in certain types of bathing suits.
I have been wearing a bikini the whole time we have been down here at the beach.
Proudly.
I am not brave.
Telling someone they are brave for wearing a bikini implies they shouldn’t be wearing one.
I am simply me.
I’ve got nothing to hide.
I’m not flawless.
Nobody is.
Sure, there might be some women down here who might be less flawed physically than I am.
But they are flawed somehow.
WE ALL ARE!
So I’m rocking my bikini.
A white one, at that.
And as long as I feel like wearing one, I’ll keep on rocking one.
No matter how old I am and no matter what size I am.
I’m teaching my girls — and boys — to appreciate all bodies.
Starting right here at home with my own.
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Fantastic! Best words ever! Enjoy your holiday!
Susie your kids are beautiful!!
Hell to the yes!!! I’m almost 45 and although strong and healthy, a bit more overweight than I’d like to be. I rock a bikini all summer long! Keep being a great role model for your kids…and their friends…and their friend’s moms!
You look fantastic. Great message for your kids and everyone else, too!