pin up girl Hilda by Duane Bryers
Say what? I know it’s the middle of summer and if you’re like me, you’re still shy about frolicking in your bikini. Last weekend on a hot sunny July afternoon, my Beau and I were sitting at the beach before we went out to dinner. We weren’t dressed to swim or frolic that afternoon but we sure enjoyed watching everyone else do so. I got the most pleasant surprise of the summer right there on the beach. It’s not what you think…
Out on the dock were a group of young women silhouetted against the lowering sun behind them. They were giggling, squealing and taking turns taking a running leap off the edge, cannon ball style. The noises they were making were delightful because when we watch people having fun, it makes us smile. What was really inspiring about these young women though, is they were all ‘large’ (as I said their shape was obvious). You know what else? They were ALL in bikinis. One gal even wore the high cut ‘barely there’ bottoms.
They didn’t care. They were having a blast. They were strutting their stuff. They were proud of their plus sizes.
They proceeded to convince the Lifeguard to open the slide. They were first in line. Hilda would have done the exact same thing. She wasn’t worried about any cellulite, or whether she looked ‘fat’, her tummy or well, anything…
hilda by Duane Bryer
They (and Hilda) inspired me. They made me realize, I should feel as confident in my own bikini. If I don’t, I will think of them, smile and frolic like I just don’t care.
I recently read “Moms, Put On Your Swimsuit” and if you haven’t read it—you should. Because after you do, you’ll think twice about sitting on the beach in shorts and a tank top because you’re not feeling so great about your body. There will always be something we don’t like about our body. When we were 20 we had something we didn’t like about our body and we were damn near perfect then…right?
That’s my message for this week: Enjoy your summer to the fullest and that may mean wearing your bikini. Not just wearing it but strutting and frolicking in it! You’re welcome.
Question: How do you feel when you put on your swim suit?
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Rosemond
August 15, 2016 at 2:18 pmI so love this! Yes, let’s frolic the hell out of our bikinis who cares what anyone thinks!
lisa
August 16, 2016 at 11:22 amYay. Do it!
Charlotte Klein
August 8, 2016 at 12:38 pmI love this so much <3 Thank you for sharing. Lately, I've put on a bit extra weight and my confidence is having a having a hard time with it. I needed to read this.
XOXO and hope you have a great week!
lisa
August 9, 2016 at 5:04 pmThanks, Charlotte. I can completely relate…I guess that’s why those young women inspired me so much. Embrace your curves 🙂
Jess @UsedYorkCity
July 28, 2016 at 5:33 amLove this! I’ve switched to a one piece, but it has a funky retro feel, red with white polkadots, so I always feel cool when I put it on!;-)
lisa
July 30, 2016 at 9:19 pmThat sounds really cute, Jess!
My Inner Chick
July 27, 2016 at 12:00 pmLoOOOOove!
I would wear a one piece, but not a bikini, although women who do are inspiring and fabulous.
How empowering.
You could say I’m still evolving.
xxx kiss from MN>
lisa
July 27, 2016 at 10:02 pmThank you, Kim xoxo!! One piece swimsuits are very classy!
Jane Thrive
July 27, 2016 at 11:30 amI love this post, lisa! Yes, embrace our bodies–no matter what! It’s true, we always focus on those little things about ourselves that we wish weren’t there, whether 20, or 30, or 40, whatever!
I’ll be truthful, I’ve been working out a LOT over the last 7-8 months, to support hubby’s efforts in getting healthy, and also it occurred to me that i need to be stronger and healthier, so i can live on and maybe if my girls have kids one day, then i can be a strong and kick a$$ grandma!
I’m in better shape now than I was in high school. I try to concentrate more on what my body can DO (burpees, pushups, surfing, etc), and not what it looks like, but of course I notice what it looks like. And you know what? I still have a baby belly. there is a six pack under there, but there’s also proof that I’ve given birth twice. And I’m thinking: I’m busting my butt to be strong and healthy, and I’m still worried about a baby belly? whatEVER, Jane, lol. so i wear my bikini with as much pride as i can muster. 😀 some days, much more accepting than others, but i’m more proud of being strong these days than picking on my imperfections (although i do that, too, sigh). my wish–is that we could all be comfortable in our own skin, without worrying about judgments. that’s a big wish, i think, but i’m doing my best! 🙂
lisa
July 27, 2016 at 10:02 pmHi Jane, wow. You sound like you’re in amazing shape! Good for you. It’s so important to be healthy as you say, it isn’t so much about being thin or sculpted. I admire your dedication. You no doubt look awesome in your bikini! You obviously have the ‘frolicking’ part down 🙂 Hope you had a nice family holiday!
Tamara
July 26, 2016 at 7:03 pmFunny because I wore a bikini this weekend for the first time in years! I was a little weird first because I really had indulged in lots of ice cream and it showed! However on the beach I noticed that everyone had a bikini – even 70-year-olds – and everyone looked great and didn’t really care much about what others wore.
It was liberating! Good ole Cape Cod.
lisa
July 27, 2016 at 4:13 amGood for you, Tamara. I really believe it is a matter of getting used to it every summer and in the back of our minds saying ‘who gives a s**t’. Cape Cod sounds wonderful!
Chrys Fey
July 26, 2016 at 4:11 pmI wear a bikini top and shorts. I’m thin, but I do have cellulite and stretch marks. Plus, my body is weird from scoliosis. So I’ve never been comfortable with my body, or brave, or confident. I wish I was.
lisa
July 27, 2016 at 4:12 amA bikini top and shorts is a great combo. I bet you look beautiful!
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
July 26, 2016 at 10:59 amI love this post. Very empowering to those of us who are too shy and insecure to wear a bathing suit in public!
lisa
July 27, 2016 at 4:11 amThank you, Marcia! Exactly.
Marie
July 26, 2016 at 5:22 amI love this Lisa. A great lesson for all of us, looking at our body, as if it was something to hide.
Strangely enough my sister is quite skinny and she gave up on swimsuit and bikinis for year – she’s only 33!
I put on my swimsuit every summer but to be true I always try to hide my tummy. I should not this year and totally enjoy beach and water with my little one. We tend to forget that we are role models to our kids. If we don’t love ourselves the way we are, how can they do it?
Next week I’ll be wearing my bikini and thinking about you Lisa. You’re fabulous!!
lisa
July 26, 2016 at 10:23 amHi Marie, even thin girls have body image issues. Glad to hear you don’t shy away from the swimsuit and you’re able to frolic 🙂 The first time I put on my swimsuit for the season, I always feel self conscious. After I get used to it, I feel more like Hilda. I’m so glad you’ll put on your bikini, Marie! YOU will LOOK fabulous!
Jeri
July 25, 2016 at 9:37 pmI’m mostly okay with putting on a swimsuit. We all have our varying degrees of fat dimples and imperfections. On the other hand, I can also say I don’t mind going without a swimsuit when circumstances allow 😉
lisa
July 26, 2016 at 10:21 amAbsolutely, Jeri. The dimples…sigh. I LOVE that you go without 😀 (when circumstances allow)
Balroop Singh
July 23, 2016 at 9:38 pmNever worn a bikini! Why? I know that is the obvious question! Never learnt swimming…didn’t get the opportunity at the right time and didn’t want to when I got it.
Body inhibitions? Yes, they are natural if bikinis are not worn while growing up. But I love them and the fun attached to them. 🙂
lisa
July 24, 2016 at 11:35 amYou didn’t learn to swim? That’s one of those scary things for kids and if you haven’t had the chance to learn, it can be equally scary as an adult.Bikinis are fun and Hilda sure shows us that 🙂
Bren Pace
July 23, 2016 at 6:33 pmI love this post, Lisa. So many women have body self-esteem issues. Quite frankly, I haven’t worn a suit in a few years But only because I don’t do the beach or pool thing anymore. I think Women need to learn to embrace their body flaws as each one of us is a beautiful Creature.
lisa
July 24, 2016 at 11:33 amHi Bren, I agree 100% with you about embracing our flaws. Love this: “each one of us is a beautiful Creature.” Thank you, Bren <3
Liv
July 23, 2016 at 3:17 pmI haven’t worn a bikini for ages – if I found a flattering one I wouldn’t have a problem with it – maybe I’ll have to find one.
lisa
July 23, 2016 at 4:16 pmI’m sure you would look great in a bikini but fit is everything! 🙂