Today my kids attended a friend’s birthday party that was hosted at a local swimming club. They were invited weeks ago, which should have been enough motivation for me to get ready for swimsuit season. But, alas, I procrastinated. Instead of putting in some extra workouts at the gym or on the running trails, I just maintained my normal workout schedule, which consists of running a couple days a week and hitting the gym a couple other days.
Oh…and I didn’t go swimsuit shopping. I pulled out an old swimsuit this morning and nearly died. What would have caused me to buy a white swimsuit with big, hot pink flowers?!
So, this morning I packed up the kids and we went swimsuit shopping. Bad idea. Kids are way too honest and so are those ridiculous fluorescent lights in the dressing rooms. But four stores and two hours later, I finally found a suit that looked decent and nearly bankrupted my checkbook. Why are these things so expensive?!
And off we went to the poolside party.
When we arrived, most all of the moms were hanging out poolside…fully clothed…while their kids frolicked joyfully in the pool. You see, my kids can’t swim, or at least not very well. So, while other moms can enjoy the party full clothed, I’m forced to reveal my body flaws and jump in the pool.
If you’re thinking that I’m too self-conscious and shouldn’t be so worried…yea, yea…I know. And sure…no one else may notice (or care about) the stretch marks on my thighs, or the small, but jiggly pooch on my belly, but I do. Besides, I’m the one sporting what essentially breaks down to underwear and they’re sitting by the side of the pool…full clothed.
I had to let it go though…for my kids and myself. Regardless, of my body image issues (which my husband tells me are totally unfounded and I guess he’s got good authority in that area), words have power. The words I use to describe myself are embedded, not only in my mind, but my children’s minds. Inevitably, those words translate into behavior and feelings. And I’d hate to raise my kids to think their bodies (and mine) are anything less than beautiful.
(If you’re wondering, that’s not me in the picture used in this post. Are you kidding?! I endured enough public display for today and don’t need pics of me in a swimsuit flying on the Internet. I may run for President one day. Heh.)
Related posts:
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
You’ve made an important point here. Thanks for reminding all of us how much impacts our words have on our kids.