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Today I Took a Picture of Myself in a Bikini

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.

Nicole Merritt
Nicole Merritt
Nicole Merritt is a mother of three, a freelance writer, co-host of I Am The Worst Parent Ever Podcast and the Owner and Founder of jthreeNMe; an imperfectly authentic peek at real-life marriage, parenting, and self-improvement. jthreeNMe is raw, honest, empowering, inspiring, and entertaining; it’s like chicken soup for those that are exhausted, over-stressed and under-inebriated, yet still utterly happy. Nicole's work has been featured by NBC's TODAY Show, Love What Matters, Scary Mommy, The Good Men Project, Elephant Journal, CafeMom, Popsugar, Motherly & many others. You can follow Nicole at jthreeNMe.com and as @jthreeNMe on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter!

WATCH: Huge Flash Mob Erupts into Worship in Chick-fil-A With the Song “Every Praise”

A Christian flash mob decided to bring church to Chick-fil-A in a whole NEW way by bursting out into praise with a powerful rendition of the worship song "Every Praise."

7 Key Facts About Tony Perkins and His Role in Christian Conservative Politics

Learn key facts about Tony Perkins, a prominent leader in Christian conservative politics, and his influential role in shaping religious and political discourse.

Bride Does “Sexy” Boudoir Photo Shoot for Groom. The Unexpected Results Are Hysterical.

“You know a marriage is going to last forever when you start out laughing." See how bride Nicole Stein captured boudoir photos for the groom just before their wedding.