Dear Fellow Moms: Embrace Your Swimsuit and Dive into Summer with Your Kids

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As I lounged by the pool, I couldn’t help but envy the woman across the way. Her toned stomach, perfectly sculpted curves, and daring bikini made her look like a swimsuit model, and she had kids! My inner critic chimed in with a familiar chorus of self-doubt as I observed her.

• I don’t deserve to wear a swimsuit.
• My body is lumpy, marked with stretch marks and saggy skin.
• My legs are unshaven.
• I haven’t shed the baby weight.
• I didn’t even shave my bikini line.
• I don’t belong here.
• I don’t look good enough.

These self-critical thoughts began to take over, and before I knew it, I was reaching for my towel, forgetting the joy of being at the pool or beach. I covered up and watched from the sidelines while she focused on creating joyful memories with her children.

Last summer, I realized I was squandering precious moments by fixating on my perceived flaws. So, I decided to change my narrative. Instead of obsessing over my body, I committed to enjoying the summer fully, regardless of my appearance.

I didn’t embark on a strict diet or an exhausting workout regime to fit into a bikini. Instead, I simply put on my damn swimsuit.

All summer long, I embraced every opportunity to wear it. I swam with my kids, visited the beach, slid down water slides, and even took a leap of faith on a pool zip line—multiple times! I had spent too much energy criticizing my body, and it was time to flip the script. I made a conscious choice to appreciate my body for its strength and capabilities. I haven’t lost the baby weight, and that’s perfectly fine. I deserve to wear a swimsuit, and letting insecurity hold me back would mean missing out on countless joyful experiences.

My children will never remember me for fitting into a specific size; they’ll remember the confidence I exuded, my love for swimming, and how fiercely I cared for both them and myself.

This journey towards self-love and swimsuit-wearing didn’t happen overnight. It’s an ongoing effort to silence the self-deprecating voices that have echoed in my mind for nearly four decades. I had to relearn how to appreciate my mom bod and give myself the grace I deserve.

To do this, I had to reevaluate my values about my body and consider what I wanted my children to learn about theirs. I found strength in being active with my kids, prioritizing clothes that fit well and made me feel good, rather than fixating on size tags. It’s crucial to nurture supportive thoughts about our bodies to combat the inevitable waves of self-doubt that can arise.

Recently, while on a beach vacation with my husband, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I noticed the purple stretch marks on my belly reflecting in the sunlight. For a brief moment, I questioned my confidence with this body, but I quickly reminded myself of the strength, happiness, and love I felt within. The negative thoughts still lingered, but I refused to give them power.

Later that day, while we were paddle boarding, my husband complimented my swimsuit—the very one that showcased my stretch marks. But more importantly, it was the suit that made me feel confident and vibrant. I radiated that energy back to him.

I’m done standing on the sidelines. I’m done comparing myself to others because I am wonderful just as I am, and my body has achieved incredible things. Life is fleeting, and the time spent with my family is invaluable. I refuse to let insecurities hinder my summer fun. So, this summer, I’ll proudly wear my swimsuit—be it a bikini, swim skirt, or swim shirt.

So, I encourage you to put on your damn swimsuit—whatever style suits you. Dive into summer, make unforgettable memories, stop the comparisons, and begin your journey towards embracing and loving your body.

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Summary:

In this heartfelt reflection, Maria Thompson encourages mothers to embrace their bodies and enjoy summer with their children without succumbing to self-doubt. By sharing her personal journey of self-acceptance, she emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, celebrating one’s unique beauty, and creating lasting memories with family.