There I was, lounging by the pool, when a stunning mom caught my eye. She had a flat stomach, perfectly perky assets, and a tiny bikini that made me feel a twinge of envy. Watching her, I couldn’t help but let my inner critic take the stage, replaying my favorite self-deprecating thoughts in an endless loop.
- “I shouldn’t be wearing a swimsuit.”
- “My body is lumpy, covered in stretch marks, and my breasts have seen better days.”
- “My legs? A total jungle. And don’t even get me started on the baby weight.”
- “I forgot to shave my bikini line.”
- “I just don’t belong here.”
As these negative thoughts swirled around my head, I felt my confidence plummet. I reached for my towel, forgetting why I even came to the pool. I ended up as a spectator instead of a participant, watching from the sidelines while that bikini-clad mom made memories with her kids, splashing and soaking in the joy of the moment.
Last summer, it hit me: I was squandering precious time and energy fretting about my body and that elusive “perfect” figure. So, I decided to take a stand. I wrote about my frustrations and made a vow to embrace the summer fully. I realized that if I let negativity rule my mind, I’d miss out on so many unforgettable experiences.
I didn’t go on some extreme diet or push myself to the breaking point at the gym. Nope! I simply put on my damn swimsuit. All summer long, I embraced every opportunity to wear it. I splashed around with my kids, hit the beach, conquered water slides, and even took a leap of faith on a pool zip line—multiple times!
I realized I had wasted far too much energy criticizing my body. It was time for a shift in perspective. I started to truly love and appreciate my mom bod, recognizing the strength and beauty in what it has accomplished. I may not have lost that baby weight, and that’s perfectly okay. I belong in a swimsuit, and I refuse to let my worries keep me from making fun memories with my family.
After all, my kids won’t remember me for fitting into a size 10. They’ll remember the joy I brought into our summer adventures, my love for swimming, and how fiercely I embraced life and motherhood.
This journey to self-love didn’t happen overnight. It requires continuous effort to silence those self-critical thoughts. I’ve been battling them for nearly four decades, so it’s understandable that healing takes time.
I had to reevaluate what I valued about my body and what I wanted my kids to appreciate about theirs. I learned to treat my body with kindness, speaking to it as I would to my children or friends. I discovered strength in running, being active with my kids, and focusing on clothes that fit and made me feel good, rather than fixating on the size tag.
It’s essential to fill your mind with positive affirmations about your body to counteract those inevitable negative thoughts. Don’t fall into the trap of self-doubt!
Just the other day, my husband and I were on a beach vacation. While he was in another room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror wearing my swimsuit. I noticed how the sunlight highlighted the stretch marks that decorated my belly. For a moment, I questioned my confidence. But then it hit me—I felt strong, happy, and genuinely loved myself. Sure, those destructive thoughts crept back in, but I refused to give them power.
Later that day, while we were paddle boarding, my husband glided by and remarked, “Wow, I love that swimsuit.” Yes, the very one that showcased my purple stretch marks. But more importantly, it was the suit that made me feel confident, strong, and ready for adventure. I reflected that energy back to him and to our kids.
I’m done sitting on the sidelines. I’m finished comparing myself to others. I know that my body is unique and has accomplished incredible things. Life is fleeting, and the time spent with my kids and husband is invaluable, so I’m diving in this summer—swimsuit and all.
So, take my advice and put on your damn swimsuit. Whether it’s a bikini, a swim skirt, or a rash guard, just wear it! Swim, create memories, stop comparing yourself, and begin the journey toward loving your body as it is.
If you’re curious about self-insemination and want to explore more, check out this post for additional insights. And for those who want to delve deeper into pregnancy resources, March of Dimes offers an excellent guide that can help.
Summary
In this empowering message to mothers, Jenna Thompson encourages women to embrace their bodies by wearing swimsuits and creating joyful memories with their children during summer. She shares her personal journey of overcoming body image struggles, emphasizing the importance of self-love, acceptance, and the joy of being present with loved ones.