This week in Ohio, Summer is beginning to yawn itself slowly awake.
Before it comes bounding in the door and asks us to go to a pool party...
Let’s have a little chat…
Dear Summer,
I know you are on your way, but I have issues with you that you need to know about. You think you are the “best” season. Do you realize how much I agonize over the clothes you insist I put on? I don’t like my upper arms, my thighs, or my cellulite. I don’t like my stomach or back. Let’s not get started on my rear end. Yet, year after year you bring weather that insists I reveal these shamed parts of my body. WHY.
I know it’s not your fault, but whenever you are around, I start to analyze my body. I can wear "whatever I want" technically. But there is a certain expectation that I go swimming with my kids once or twice a year, in PUBLIC. Then there’s the whole idea that lighter clothes covering less skin are just more comfortable during sweaty, midwest summers. So, it’s more complicated than doing whatever I want. There’s no winning with you.
So, I guess what I am asking you this year, is to just be understanding. Perhaps shine a little less sunshine on my unseemly body parts and give me a few salvageable photos. All of us ladies at the pool are not always as put together and amazing on the inside as we seem from the outside. We have insecurities and we don’t always speak to ourselves with as much compassion and kindness as we should. We are restricting food just to fit into your warm, sunny season. We are forgoing dessert, carbs, soda, and ice cream just so we can look good. We are likely uncomfortable-ish in our swimsuits (even after trying out 10 different ones).
Summer Squeamish,
Chunky Sweater Girl
Dear Chunky Sweater Girl,
It is hard to hear about the shame and restriction that goes along with having a summer body.
I have a plan.
This summer, could you tell yourself (and the other ladies in your life) a little secret?
If you want to enjoy MY season, follow MY rules (who knows better than me):
If you knew how much body shame everyone felt (yes, even the boys), you might realize you are not alone and what you experience is sadly, what many around you do too. I see everyone from where I am.
Go order a swimsuit a couple sizes bigger in whatever color you like. Cut out the tag and then forget the number, it doesn’t matter anyway. Truly, no one cares.
Go eat ice cream before going to the pool or while you are out and about in a sleeveless dress above the knee. If you are going to reveal your upper arms and knees, you might as well eat ice cream while you are doing it.
Start breaking all your summer rules. Don’t turn down any summer plans. Consider letting go of what you are imagining will make the summer better (it won't). Plan the summer of your dreams in your here and now body. Your dreams aren't 10, 20 or 30 pounds away, trust me.
And when you look up at the sun and feel my warmth radiating down on you, take that warmth and spread it far and wide. Smile, laugh, play in the pool, go to the bbq, laugh too loud with your friends, sit by the firepit, skip checking yourself in the mirror, eat the DQ Blizzard, move and breathe joyfully.
And maybe, someone will look at you and decide they are going to embrace my season a little more too.
Love,
Summer