Today I took a picture of myself in a bikini and may I add that I didn’t filter it.
Let the shock set in.
But, I also didn’t share the picture — until now, that is.
Today I took a picture of myself in a bikini because I needed to prove to myself that I was worthy of wearing a bikini.
Worthy?
Seems like a strange word to use when referencing your attire; but yes, for a very long time and since birthing three amazing children, I haven’t quite felt like I am a model candidate for bikini-wearing.
For a few summers now, my [7]-year-old has enjoyed wearing age-appropriate two-pieces, the cutest of which have been the toddler bikinis with her little ‘I-drank-too-much-milk-and-ate-too-many-snacks’ baby gut on display.
Ain’t nothing cuter than that. I mean seriously, any of my little munchkins in their bathing suits give the Coppertone kid a run for their money.
I would say, though, beginning last summer, my daughter would question me as to why I wasn’t wearing a two-piece bathing suit.
I would tell her “Mommy just doesn’t feel comfortable in it,” and when she would push for me to explain what I meant I would just deflect the conversation and bring up a new topic.
I know that I am supposed to model a positive body image for my daughter.
I know that I am supposed to exemplify body self-confidence.
I know that I shouldn’t engage in negative self-talk in front of any of my children, and I sure as heck am aware that I should never make it sound as though my or any person’s appearance is what matters about them. Still, I wore the one-piece, and I’ve worn it pretty often in recent years.