Here in Oklahoma summer equals hot. Like crazy humid hot. As the digits on the thermometer get higher the clothing gets smaller. We all show more skin in the heat, well because clothes are ucky in this climate. They trap in heat and stick like glue from humidity. Summer makes me mad.
As a child I loved it. No school, no early mornings, in a word freedom. But as an adult I dread it. I feel the opposite of freedom. I feel trapped. All the activities I enjoyed as a child I dread now. It's so stupid but I know you feel it to. Summer clothes. Summer bathing suits. Summer body shaming. I will deny my children and myself of fun times just so people don't see me. How insane right?
As women we define ourselves by numbers. The numbers on a scale or on a tag in clothes. Even our age can make us shameful. Why do we fall into this trap? Why do we deny our family of who we could be if we didn't let numbers get in our way? Honestly does any kid care if his mom's thighs touch together in her bathing suit? Do they even care? Or are they to busy playing with you to notice?
When I think back on my childhood I really just remember my mother's smiling face. Not what she was or was not wearing or what size she was. I was just happy she was with me. My children deserve the same. My daughter deserves a mother that shows her real beauty. She needs to know confidence and self worth come from within not from outside superficial source's.
I hope you join me in becoming more aware of our beauty then our own twisted body image. I am not a number on a scale or on a tag of clothes and neither are you.
Love,
Ashley B.
