The Point

Everyone has one -- that moment where they realize that the issue that gives them the biggest blow to their ego, to their self-esteem is just not worth fighting any more.

I hit mine this past week on vacation.  For longer than I care to remember, I've had my fair share of self-esteem/body image issues.  I don't know where it comes from, but I know I'm at the point where I'm moving past it.  I always dressed my for my size and I've tried to take care of myself the best way I can without denying myself the things that make me happy *cough*wine*cough*dessert*cough*

I dared to bare in a bikini while we were on vacation -- the first time since pre-parenthood.  I went through all sorts of mix and match tops and bottoms and even subjected my dear neighbor to a fashion show for an unbiased opinion.  No one was as worried about how I look more than I was.

But I'm tired of fighting the low feelings.  I'm not going to wear a burka at the seashore.  I'm not going to waste precious beach time comparing myself to every body, young and old, strolling down the sand.  I can't waste time worrying about it anymore.  So, I'm making the choice not to.

It's a great feeling. 

When I was pregnant with Morgan, I was looking for really powerful and empowering quotes for a project I wanted to create for her.  I found this quote by Naomi Wolf that truly drove home what I kind of mother I wanted to be for her, and now for Coever.

"A mother who radiates self-love and acceptance

 actually vaccinates her daughter against low self-esteem."

It's my job to continue to booster that inoculation, and I don't mind wearing a bikini to do so.