Chilling at High Falls, our go-to swimming spot
You might notice that I’ve been posting a bit more lately- it’s summer and there’s just so much going on! I’m already wary of mid-August, when school starts up full-time again and I’ll be up to my ear lobes in nursing classes, clinicals, and microbiology.
But for now, we shall enjoy each other’s company, friends!
One blogger whose ‘company’ I enjoy quite a bit is Sally of Unbrave Girl. She started a movement, people. Normally, she writes about travel, but last week she decided to stop snarking on her body and start appreciating it, starting with displaying full-length photos of herself. Sally also challenged her readers and fellow bloggers to share their own photos: not the usual ones where we selectively crop and turn and leave out our least favorite parts, but photos showing our whole bodies.
Artist Dave Zaboski painted this portrait of me when I modeled for an Alex Grey workshop two years ago
But Christy, you’re thinking, you’ve shown us full-length photos of yourself before. How is this different?
I’m so glad you asked! One, it’s rare for me to post a full-length photo of myself. I’ve done it a couple of times, but when I have, I did it where I wearing long pants, or turned to the side. Two, I mentioned to Sally in her comments that I want to feel more comfortable in photos where I’m wearing my bathing suit. I love my bathing suit, but I don’t love my thighs, therefore I prefer shots from the waist-up.
Today, that changes, friends. I want to feel good in my body again, like I did a few years ago. I want to feel strong again, and like what I see when I look in the mirror. So, I went for a walk/jog this morning! (First time in a loooong time). I also want to start a regular work-out routine a few times a week.
And I am sharing some photos with you (courtesy of my talented hubby!), ending with my full-length bathing suit shot.
Of course I had to start with a silly picture…besides, how glamorous are my new goggles?
My friend Molly and I (can you ever go wrong with that sweetheart neckline/halter combo?)
And just me, standing, in my bathing suit:
(Hi!)
Thank you, Sally, for your inspiration.
Thank you, readers, for holding this space for me to be however silly and honest I want to be.
xo.
You are beautiful. Just celebrate you!
You are too sweet! Thank you 🙂
Wow, you are brave, lady! I think it’s going to take me a while to be comfortable enough to post photos of myself in anything more revealing than capris pants. But I aspire to be this brave one day. And I aspire to have a suit as cute as yours. LOVING it.
Thanks, Sally! It doesn’t feel brave, I’ll say that. It feels weird and uncomfortable, but I’m glad I did it. You’re inspiring so many people!
Oh and the suit- major splurge last year! But the value of a cute, well-fitting bathing suit cannot be overstated 🙂
you are beautiful. keep on being silly and honest and sharing with us. Thanks.
and i’m going to go check out unbrave girl’s site as I need help in being ok w/ my body and loving it just the way it is. Women power!!!
I appreciate this comment so much, Jacquie. Thank you! Definitely check out Sally’s blog, she’s a smart woman who manages to make everything funny!
You go girl!!! Thanks for mentioning Unbrave Girl. I’ve never heard of it, but I’m excited to check it out!
No problem, happy to pass on a great blog!
Hi Christy! Love this post, I love the honesty and the humility! I think we as women should praise ourselves for who we are instead of trying to compare ourselves to each other. We’re all unique and that’s what makes us special. If we were all carbon copies, then this would be a pretty boring place! You are beautiful girl! xoxo, Jackie
Jackie, you’re too kind! Thanks so much! I agree, we should praise ourselves, and each other, more. I used to live in a community with lots of great, empowering women around all the time. This has been some good motivation to seek out female bonding time again 🙂
I love the Summer and the excessive posting that’s going on! I love your honesty and bravery in this post! Life is always a competition it seems. We always need to be thinner, prettier, nicer, smarter, etc! This was such an inspiring post! You are so gorgeous, and I’m loving your swimsuit! xx
Glad to get the positive feedback, Katherine 🙂 Honesty isn’t easy all the time, but I’m trying. Thanks for the compliments- I’ve never had a bathing suit I loved before this one!
You are so cute! I LOVE that suit!
Thanks, Liz! I love the suit so much, sometimes I find myself thinking up excuses to wear it, haha.
Great post! I LOVE Sally and this has to be my favorite post of hers so far. Not only for the incredible honesty and emotions she shared (which in turn inspired us all to join in the sharing circle), but because of all the new women friends I am meeting by way of her challenge! We Women definitely need to stick together and support each other with POSITIVE words and love for ourselves (lumps and all). Your retro suit is absolutely perfect for you! Classy, Fun, Smart, Modest and Yes, Sexy! Work it Girl and I look forward to following you on your blog now as well 🙂
You just made me smile so much, Teresa! Thank you! I agree, Sally’s post has started such a great conversation among us blogging women that would never otherwise have happened. Positive words for our lumps, haha, I like that 🙂
And thank you for your kind words and new readership! Right back atcha!
You look great Christy. If I looked like that I will always post full length photos.
You’re so kind! Thank you so much!
[…] and a mini freak-out ensues. No longer, my friends! These goggles (seen toward the bottom of this post) suction tightly to my face so there’s no worry whatsoever of losing my contacts, plus […]
Love that last shot! Say “ta-daaaa!” to the world 🙂
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