Bathing Suit Shopping
I went shopping the other day for a new bathing suit that I can use to go swimming in every morning. I'm a fish; I am truly happy when I am in or on the water. That is why two of my favourite activities are: rowing and swimming. I am getting back into my routine of going to the pool early in the morning and swimming laps.
As I was shopping the other day, I realized how much putting on a swimsuit instills insecurity and fear in many people. You want a suit that shapes your body and makes you look your best. We are all raised with media telling us how we should look. In a sense, wearing a swimsuit out in public makes you extremely vulnerable as many people see the shape of your body. We get self-conscious as sometimes the shape of our body may not fit the "ideal stereotype". For some this can be terrifying. I remember when I was in my early teens and self-conscious of my new curves; I would wear a t-shirt over my suit when I was at the cottage as I didn't want anyone to look at my body and possibly judge me. I grew out of that phase and am just wear bathing suits into the pool now. I realized that people will judge you regardless but you cannot let that control/prevent you from having fun and pursuing the activities you enjoy.