The First Bikini

  Ever since I can remember I spent summers out at my family's cottage, swinging on hammocks, roasting marshmallows on the fire, swimming in the lake. But for most of my teenage years being in the water was a source of stress. Not because of the swimming, oh no, I'm a water baby at heart. Because of the required swim wear and how much it exposed. Looking back on photos I can see that I wore a t-shirt in the water for too many years to cover up my body. 

I think that most women have complicated relationships with bathing suits. Shopping for a bathing suit is even worse than bra or jean shopping. I'd have to be in a pretty good mood so that I just may find something that I don't hate, but not in such a good mood that I'd want to ruin it by seeing all my bodily flaws in florescent lighting. 

I'd see women at the pool and lake frolicking in the shallows, seemingly unaware of their fabulous bodies, while I sat on my  towel painfully aware of my sugar belly and thighs and boobalas. 

Lately, I have been living in a tropical climate. I go to the beach nearly every day and in that time I have seen women of all shapes, sizes and ages. And you know what? No one is perfect. Most people have cellulite and jiggle when they walk. All are beautiful in their own way. 

So this year I decided no more bathing suit body hate. I have had enough of trying to hide this gift of a body. I bought a bikini. The first bikini, really.


bikini: Sea Folly


 I was nervous walking into the store. What if there wasn't any my size? What if I saw judgment in the saleswoman's eyes?

 I told her what I was looking for and she was so excited for me to find the perfect suit. She couldn't understand why I'd never had a bikini before. What reassurance!




When I got down to the beach and stripped off my dress I expected to feel the familiar feelings of fear and shame. I expected to want to jump directly into the water and then get covered up as soon as possible.



I didn't. 

I felt the sun on my skin, in places that have never known that warmth. I looked down at my exposed sugar belly and polka dotted suit and thought "cute!". 

I stretched out and read my book. Then I leisurely walked to the water for a refreshing swim. 



Today I am thankful for bravery and cute suits to enjoy! I am thankful for my little sugar belly and learning to love it a little more everyday.



Comments

geetabix said…
I want a bathing suit just like that! You look great.
Chelsea said…
You look positively radiant, Danielle! You rock the crap outta that adorable suit.
Marnie said…
I think you look awesome!!
Megan said…
I love you in the second photo. YAY!
Love you, love the bathing suit, love you in the bathing suit!
Mrs. Hosie said…
You look wonderful in the bikini! You will match the new boat!
danielle, that suit is ADORABLE! and you are gorgeous. xo
and you look AMAZING it in, Danielle! :) So proud of you!

♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
the shop of worldly delights
Cara said…
I love it! I'm actually working on a theory that bathing suits are more attractive in two pieces... separates allow for a better fit (I'm one size larger on bottom than top) plus they naturally create and emphasize curve. And generally, they do much better things for "the girls" than one piece.
I love the term "sugar belly," and also that the saleswoman was so excited for you, and to help you find the perfect suit. Awesome. (And you look fantastic!)
morgaine said…
Gorgeous! I love that top. You wear it well. (Also, what's not to love about polka dots?)
Unknown said…
You look beautiful and that is a super cute swim suit :) Good for you for choosing to be brave and not letting anyone stop you from enjoying your time in the sun x
Anonymous said…
Gorgeous! I came this way via Already Pretty, and I'm so delighted to see such an exuberance on this subject. You look great.
Jess said…
Damn girl! You look so happy! You make me want to throw on a bikini too!
Anonymous said…
you look fantastic in your bikini.
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i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
or
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346












wilson tom said…
i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
or
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346










i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
or
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346












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