I see you and I think you're gorgeous too. Thank you for making me feel more appreciative of the, as you say, perfectly fine body I have. I love this essay!
Not that I have any desire to be a nudist, (living where I live which is surrounded by beaches in 3 directions,) I once went to a new spot to try and did not know it was near a nudist resort. After watching people of all ages and body types cavorting, sunbathing, flying kites, etc. it made my self consciousness in just my one piece seem irrelevant. I’m still self conscious at pool parties, especially with people I know. Go figure. Total strangers don’t bother me like they used to- but acquaintances, family, etc. I still think I’m being judged. I try to thank my body every day for what it did for me and what it still does. This helps. And while being stunning in a bathing suit in middle age is celebrated in our culture as something to aspire to- give me healthy over able to turn heads, being comfortable and enjoying myself. I’m also extremely pale- I’m used to stares for my very Scottish and Welsh ancestry only allowing me to burn or freckle. I learned to embrace it, wear sunscreen, cover up or in some cases a bodysuit for the sea if I want to bodysurf or use a board. I never want to be my 21 year old self in a bikini having a terrible time- because I was so self concious then. All the good times I missed caring so much what others thought- now, I want good health and good memories.
I see you and I think you're gorgeous too. Thank you for making me feel more appreciative of the, as you say, perfectly fine body I have. I love this essay!
Not that I have any desire to be a nudist, (living where I live which is surrounded by beaches in 3 directions,) I once went to a new spot to try and did not know it was near a nudist resort. After watching people of all ages and body types cavorting, sunbathing, flying kites, etc. it made my self consciousness in just my one piece seem irrelevant. I’m still self conscious at pool parties, especially with people I know. Go figure. Total strangers don’t bother me like they used to- but acquaintances, family, etc. I still think I’m being judged. I try to thank my body every day for what it did for me and what it still does. This helps. And while being stunning in a bathing suit in middle age is celebrated in our culture as something to aspire to- give me healthy over able to turn heads, being comfortable and enjoying myself. I’m also extremely pale- I’m used to stares for my very Scottish and Welsh ancestry only allowing me to burn or freckle. I learned to embrace it, wear sunscreen, cover up or in some cases a bodysuit for the sea if I want to bodysurf or use a board. I never want to be my 21 year old self in a bikini having a terrible time- because I was so self concious then. All the good times I missed caring so much what others thought- now, I want good health and good memories.
I’m on that beach too. One of the snowflakes. Recently decided not to give many shits, and life is improved!
Another great piece of writing!