As the weather gets warmer, that means we're getting closer and closer to bathing suit season.
Now, if you're like me, that's a thought that can fill you with dread. Why haven't I been dieting more? Why have I not been getting the exercise I need? How could I possibly be seen wearing a bathing suit in public right now?
These annoying thoughts of anxiety have been lessening more and more lately. Especially because I'm seeing other women who maybe don't have "perfect" bodies according to society's standards publicly saying that they don't care, and they love their bodies just how they are.
Mommy blogger Rachel Hollis comes to mind. She posted a photo of herself in a bikini and showed off her stretch marks. She didn't try to hide them or feel shame because of them. Instead, she described them as something to be proud of. As a mother, she had earned them!
Recently, plus-sized fashion model (by the way, I hate that phrase. Can't we just call her a model?) Jessica Kane posted the photo of herself in a bikini below, and people have had very strong reactions to it because of her message that accompanies it.
Just don't call her brave.
Please SHARE if Jessica's message has also inspired you!
This is the photo that Jessica posted online. You may think she's "brave" for doing something like this, but she doesn't think so.
Her amazing message accompanying the photo reads:
"THIS WAS NOT BRAVE. I've been told how brave I am for not having a coverup, but going with out a wrap would only take bravery if I cared what others thought of me, but I don't. I spend my time worrying about things I CAN control and this day, I was only thinking about how fab I felt and how much sun I was catching ☀️"
Jessica's message about how anyone should feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach quickly went viral and inspired others to do the same with the hashtag #thisisntbrave.
Hopefully, Jessica's message will continue to be shared and others will feel inspired to know that it's "not brave" to accept the body you have.
Jessica says, "To be human shouldn't be brave and to say so diminishes your value and theirs. "
Please SHARE if you love this message!
