I bet you can’t guess what I got. That’s right, it’s a bathing suit. Not just any bathing suit, there are two pieces there. Nope, I haven’t lost all the baby weight and I certainly don’t have a two-piece body (this is where the cute-tight-black extra-long-tank comes in) but that really is besides the point.
What is so powerful about this bathing suit is more than the cute polka dots and stripey strings. I made a decision, a conscious choice to push aside my self-image issues, my insecurities about my post-two-babies-body, and the lingering voice inside of me that says ‘I’ll just let the hubbie take them swimming‘.
So this evening I slid (okay, didn’t quite slide) into this cute lil thing, finished it off with said black tank and headed down to the pool with my three fave boys. For over an hour we swam, and laughed, and splashed, and loved. I watched my husband with admiration, my mind going back to having fun with him in the pool pre-kids, even pre-marriage. My youngest swished the water between his toes, and my oldest braved the center of the pool for the very. first. time.
I didn’t miss out on these moments because not only did I buy the suit, I rocked the suit.
I was in the moment, apart of it, drinking it up. Should I have listened to that mean ole voice, I would have simply sat on the sidelines. I didn’t sit it out ‘to take photos’, or because ‘I had nothing to wear’. I jumped in, unwrapped my gift, and am so glad I did.
I hope you are “buying the suit” this week.
{Don’t forget to stay tuned for The Creative Mama’s big Photography Series coming July 6!}
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s AWESOME Angie! I laughed when you said “I rocked the suit” that’s brilliant. :)
Unfortunately, I am in the same situation and I know I have to bite the bullet and get a suit. I really don’t want to miss out on the fun either. You’ve inspired me! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
one word. never.
Congrats on getting over that one…. after 4 kids, I just can’t do it!! Although I do wear a bathing suit just not a bikini! Kudos to you Ang!! Well since you did it, I’ll at least think about it! LOL! Great post!
Jamie, I’m laughing :) Trust me, I sport the black tank on top like there is no tomorrow. It’s all about the reason *behind* the suit ;) Hugs!
love. this. A perfect post for me as I’m on vacation. I’ll be buying the suit for sure.
What an inspiring post! Its not always the suit that keeps me back from having fun with the kids. Its the “what will the neighbors think” or the “my hair will get messed up” or the “I’ll have to get off line”. They are only little once. Sometimes I just have to get over myself and just live!!
You are awesome Ang!! Good for you!!! Besides, Im sure your hubs enjoyed it. LOL
I SO needed to read this. I am one of those mamas who always looks at her husband to get in the pool with the kids. {sadly}
However, I must say that I only have bikinis. My tummy region isn’t my issue — it’s more of the lower hemisphere! I guess thats what sarongs are for, right? ; )
Okay Ang, I’ll take your challenge. This weekend, when we’re BBQing at my parent’s house, I will partake in the swimming.
Marci, I absolutely agree and I do find myself thinking and saying the EXACT things you mentioned. It’s all about just making the choice.
Kirwin, good for you! :) I’m glad to hear you’ll partake in the swimming. Sarong or not!
ouch. we all feel it for so many reasons. My kids and husband pretty much give up hope on me , unless I’m on a vacation that I worked out for like a madwoman before.
sad thing is I have all those eyes soaking up my example, but still feel so uncomfortable. love the tank idea
Wow ang…thanks!!
Jen, hi! We miss you guys! :)
This is awesome. Go you. :)
My motto : ” It’s way better they seemy 2 piece bathing suit, than the “birthday one!” LOL ! Life is too short NOT to “jump in the pool!” Glad you went for it…your kids(and hubby) will appreciate you NOT being on the sidelines. :)
My 4-yr-old just walked in and thought the picture of your suit was a butterfly! Hopefully it is slightly bigger than one of those…. =)
I love you sharing this. Go for it.
Jamie
This was a seriously inspiring post. In more than one way. Thank you!
I “jumped in the pool” this summer too! It’s my first in a while, after 4 kids, things just aren’t the same! But since I took the plunge, we have all absolutely enjoyed our summer. It’s been the best so far! However dear Angie..mine is NOT a bikini, lol.
Oh and I was dying the other day thinking about us lathering up with baby oil and frying on the street (like we were in a frying pan) on your court next to skittle. Those were the days. I do not miss those sun burns.
Love the post! I having been trying to get some “me” time to go buy a suit as well. I have a hard time finding a good top with support and although a bikini is not my first choice, it’ll have the best support for the puppies;) Again, thanks for the post… it is oh so inspiring! Have fun in your two piece!
Beca
You rock Momma! I will happily hide in my one piece, but I hope one day I can be at peace with my new momma body! One day at a time, right?
Three cheers for ROCKIN’ THE SUIT! You’ve inspired me (and from the looks of the comments, I’m not the only one!) to join you in throwing off the self image issues and swimming in the moment….and in the suit.
Thanks!
Jo
Ang, You go girl! I will be wearing my suit all summer at the pool with my twins. I call my tummy the twin skin. I wear it proudly.
oh, how often i would choose to do the same… sit on the sidelines and sweat. thank you for the reminder to jump in and enjoy while the gettin’ is good. beautiful!
I’m so overwhelmed by your responses – I’m glad to have inspired some of you to “suit up” ;)
I want to clarify that a. I do NOT have a bikini body (hence the black tank) and b. you can “suit up” in a one piece! ;) As long as you’re doing it, your family will thank you.
Hugs all!
You are so right, I think back to Summer (it’s so cold & wet down here, it feels like it will never be warm again!) & I did miss out on so much with my girls all because I was worried about what other people would think & I really should of jumped into that tiny bikini (that my husband bought for me) & joined in.
What a great inspiration to get over ourselves & enjoy life! We women are our own worst enemies!
This really hits home today Angie! I made a similar decision and put aside all of my self doubt and self-criticism and put on the bathing suit(not sure if I rocked it :) and got in the pool with my babe and the neighbor kids – and their moms. This weekend we’re going out on the lake and instead of resisting and suggesting a non-bathing suit required activity, I’m going to just let it go and have fun. We CAN’T let our insecurities hold us back and keep us from enjoying things in life. I am so happy to see this post and I wish many many MANY other women would embrace themselves as they are, right now, and stop waiting for those last 10 pounds or whatever to start living life. It also helps you not hide behind things and possibly encourage you to lose the weight or just be healthy! thanks Angie! HUGS!!
thank you for the gentle reminder!
LOVE
this!!!
Love the suit!! I wish I had one just like it. I’ve learned the only person I hurt by letting insecurities take control is myself. So – I sport my two-piece happily. :-) Plus my hubby likes it. So what else really matters?
Good for you Ang, that is awesome!!! Rock that suit girl! ;)