On Swimsuit Shopping

I'm blogging, or attempting to blog from my iPad. My laptop has a virus and has either through malware or hacking my email, started sending wonky emails to friends and family. If you got one, I'm sorry. DON'T OPEN THE LINK! Anyhow, I know exactly where I got said virus, and until my laptop is fixed it is disconnected from the internet to prevent further issues. And yes, I also changed my email password (again).

So here I am blogging from my iPad. Not an easy task, I tell you. But that isn't even close to what this post is about. Read on.

Last night, I tried on swimsuits. The End.

Just kidding. Although I think for most women that just about sums it up. Last night, I tried on swimsuits, and the skin on my stomach is permanently loose from pregnancy, I have a road map of spider veins right above my knees, and more than a little cellulite on the back of my thighs. It's hot!

And I quit after four suits. I put them back on the rack and walked out of the store because I did not have the energy at 8:30 p.m. to deal with loose skin, cellulite, and spider veins.

But I learned a few things. Bear with me, and I'll share:

(1) All women look in the mirror and struggle with what they see. Like it or not, we are byproducts of our society. The one that puts starving, airbrushed models on display for us to use as a comparison. Skinny or heavy, tall or short, it doesn't matter we can't measure up. Why? Because we're trying to measure up to a lie.

(2) Appreciate the body you have today. I'm not saying don't try to better yourself. If you need and want to lose weight, then more power to you. If you need and want to get in shape, then go for it. But in the process appreciate your body. Don't beat yourself up. You are "fearfully and wonderfully" made (check out Psalm 139:14 - the Bible doesn't lie). I have come to the realization that I'm 32 (almost 33), and I'm not going to look the same as did when I was 22. I'm in just as good of shape (maybe better), and I need to focus on being healthy not looking 10 years younger. I don't need to act, dress, or look like a 20 year old. It's called "aging gracefully".

(3) Don't try on cheap swimsuits. I know it seems foolish to buy an expensive swimsuit, but here's what I've found: cheap swimsuits are just that, cheap. The material is thin and clingy and accentuates every lump and bump known to womankind. Unless your 16 and tiny, cheap swimsuits will only depress you. So save your pennies and invest in something with a little better material (and it will last longer which is a plus). And while I'm on the subject, it's okay to let go of your youth, and buy something that covers a bit more if needed. Believe me you'll feel better and less self conscious if you do.

Once I recover from last night's swimsuit shopping disaster, I'll try again. This time with a hopefully better mindset.

The End (for real this time)