Body Image Issues?

Bikini season is coming. (That’s right Starks of Winterfell, *summer* is coming.) But few of us are as emotionally tough as Brienne of Tarth who, tormented for her Amazonian physique, dons armor and becomes a great warrior.

“I’ve often thought it unfair that women are expected to stay at home when there’s a fight to be won. If a woman has the strength to bear a child, she can swing a sword as well as any man.” – Karen Hawkins, How to Abduct a Highland Lord

I’ll wager that most women, young or old, svelte or zaftig, tall, short or in-between, have felt insecure about their beach body at some point in their lives. Sadly there are some for whom body image is a constant, crippling influence affecting every area of daily life.

I once suffered body image issues, badly; ironically, I was much younger, thinner and fitter at the time. Now I’m older, wrinklier, saggier and I have the toned musculature of someone who spends much of her time sittin’ and thinkin’. Plus, I’ve had three babies. You know what a balloon looks like when you let out the air? That’s my belly.

But the strange thing is, I don’t care nearly as much anymore. My body is a road-map of my life and every scar and line and lump tells part of my story. I’m healthy, average and normal (physically, at least. Mostly.) I’ve made peace with my shell. Mostly. And I’m grateful for what I can do with it. I look after it so hopefully I’ll be able to keep on doing things with it for a long time to come.

So if you love summer and dream of soaking up the sun, like I do, don’t let popular culture and media images defeat you. Here’s a quick guide to finding the best beach wear for your body type:

Pass this on to your friends! Plan a beach party!