Too often people avoid doing things due to lack of self-confidence. It disguises itself as other issues like discontent, cockiness, fear, being judgmental, or approval-seeking. Not a happy life at all.
Regardless of the root cause of it, low self-confidence can be so paralyzing that you don’t see yourself for the awesome that you are. Friends, family, and others in our circle can remind us, but the only way it’s gonna stick is if we recognize it too. One woman found a way to peel off the stigma she attached to herself as being plus-sized.
Ashamed of her figure, Kirsten Bosly of Australia had a routine established when going to the beach which included board shorts or cover-ups. Some of you may be familiar with a little voice in your head that says you need to get your body in beach-ready condition. If you don’t, you either avoid pools and beaches or wear cover-ups over your swimsuit. Well, Kirsten had enough of that voice.
This past January, the 41-year-old mommy blogger published a reflective post about how she decided to flip the script on her own lack of body confidence. She wrote that for years, she wouldn’t take photos because she was too self-conscious about her appearance. But a meme struck a chord for her and changed everything. It read:
“Be in pictures with your kids because when you’re gone, the pictures will be all they have left.”
Sounds simple, yes? It motivated her to let it all go. On a recent family trip to the beach, Kirsten realized she forgot her cover-up. Then she remembered the meme. The added pressure of worrying about stretch marks, cellulite, scars, weight, and everything was left in the dust. Dressed only in a bathing suit while embracing her son and daughter, Kirsten and crew were all smiles as her husband snapped a pic.
On the Facebook post that has since gone viral, she wrote:
“The truth is, I’m tired of being ashamed of my body; it’s done nothing but support me for 41 years. . . So today I let go. I let go of the hatred and resentment of this body of mine and chose to enjoy it for what it is; my body.
I asked The Pants to take this photo so the kids will remember us enjoying this day together, cellulite and all. No cover up. No board shorts. No “modesty” towel. No filters. Just us.
Any you know what? I’m not ashamed. Really. I look at this photo and all I can see is how happy we are and that’s awesome. I finally feel free. . .”
From a young age, many of us struggle with issues of self-esteem and worth. Kirsten’s story is the perfect example of how crippling our thoughts can be to the point of not enjoying life. Live it and love it no matter what strangers think! Happy thoughts are the fuel that helps us feel and do better. So happy that Kirsten shifted her attitude and is feeling herself now!
If body confidence challenges are holding you back, check out these tips from Psychology Today, or you can even look for an app that helps with confidence boosters!
Can you relate to Kirsten’s experience? Are you inspired to let it go and take some photos? Do you know you’re beautiful? Tell us in the comments!