It seems fitting that I talked swimsuit shopping yesterday when today is I Heart My Body Day.
Because there is nothing more confronting than staring at your near-naked body in the mirror of a small, brightly-lit change room cubicle, is there?
Quietening the conversations going on in your head as you stare back at the reflection takes WORK. It takes real effort.
For me, this has been the case for way too long.
I remember sitting on the floor in Year 1 during a music class. My legs were crossed and where my knees became thighs, I remember thinking why have I got lumps there when, next to me, my best friend’s were totally flat.
Just writing that is a little bit heartbreaking. Knowing that from such an early age that I recognised that I was different from the other girls. That I was bigger. And that possibly that made me not as beautiful as them.
Where does that stuff come from?
If I knew, I would not have spent a good part of my adult life trying to build a big freaking bridge over these destructive thoughts.
It’s only in recent years that I’ve come to some kind of truce with myself and my body.
I do have a medical condition that makes it very difficult to lose weight. I better at accept instead of letting the frustration of it get to me.
I eat well, I indulge occasionally and I get out and walk.
And every day, I turn up here, to this blog which celebrates all women – of all ages, shapes and sizes.
In helping others find what helps them to look and feel their best everyday, I realise I’ve actually been helping myself.
I heart my body. I do. Sort of.
Styling You: the swimsuit edition!
Where are you at with your body? Think you can show it some love today?
