All Bodies Beach Party!!!
If you missed the party last week, you REALLY missed out! Last week was our second annual “ALL BODIES ARE BEACH BODIES” party at Lake Red Rock in Pella Iowa! Last year was SO FUN, we decided to do it again - and it was an ABSOLUTE BLAST!!!
If you’re on our email list (and you totally should be!) you’ve probably already read all of these awesome reasons why all bodies belong at the beach and why I think it’s so important to do this as an annual event:
Your body is amazing. It allows you to do incredible things, like walk, run, dance, and hug. It's strong and resilient, and it's been with you through thick and thin. No matter what size or shape it is, it deserves to be celebrated.
The beach is for everyone. It's a place to relax, have fun, and enjoy the sun and sand. Everyone should feel welcome and comfortable at the beach, regardless of their body.
I see this a lot - that we think certain spaces are reserved for other people. I saw a Facebook post in a local mom’s group recently. It was from a mom whose body had changed and she was feeling self conscious - to the point she was going to avoid the beach because she didn’t want to make *other people* uncomfortable. That broke my heart and reminded me how important this work is - and how important this particular event is.
Body positivity is important. Our society puts a lot of emphasis on having the perfect body, but this can lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues. Body positivity is about celebrating all body types and sizes, and it's important for everyone to feel good about ourselves, no matter what we look like. That pressure comes from lots of places: advertising, magazines, social media, Hollywood, and even our loved ones. We see filtered and Photoshopped images everywhere and internalize those as our beauty standards.
I think many women would be surprised to know the insecurities I hear in my studio. I hear a lot of women who are insecure about their weight and its distribution; but I also have many women tell me they don’t think boudoir is for them because they aren’t curvy *enough.* We tell ourselves that we have all these “undesireable” traits, but gosh - every single one of the women who have told me these insecurities has been utterly stunning.I need to add here: I think it’s possible for the body positive movement to swing the other way, and in some cases I think it has. I have had women who are very fit or super thin ask if they are welcome at the beach party. YESSSSS!!! This party is for ALL bodies.
You're not alone. There are millions of people out there who feel insecure about their bodies, but you're not alone. There are many communities and organizations that support body positivity (ahem - including ours over on Facebook), and there are people who will love and accept you for who you are.
We ladies have a reputation of doing things together, all the way to leaving for the bathroom. We have an unspoken sisterhood and if we are going to do something hard, let’s do it TOGETHER.
You deserve to enjoy yourself. The beach is a place to have fun and let loose. Don't let your body hold you back from enjoying yourself. Put on your swimsuit and go for a swim, build a sandcastle, or just relax in the sun. You deserve to enjoy every moment.
It’s OK - encouraged in fact - to have some fun!
I thought I would also add some tips to help you feel more confident at the beach too:
Wear a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in. As miserable as it is to try them on, make sure you do to find a really great fit.
Find a spot where you feel like you can relax and be yourself.
Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself
Focus on the positive aspects of your body.
Remember that you're not alone and that everyone has insecurities about their body.
The most important thing is to remember that you are beautiful and worthy of love and acceptance, no matter what your body looks like.
