Sad & Depressed in Mexico

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling really body conscious today. Comparison truly is the killer of joy and it's a shame that your inner critic is stealing your joy and not allowing you to enjoy your vacation.

There is nothing wrong with your stomach. Your mid-section is an incredible part of your body that successfully carried your child(ren) and supports your body every day.

You are in a different country with people you will never, ever see again. Most likely, your insecurities are built up in your head to be bigger than they are. But even if they're not, most people won't care. The ones who do you will never ever have to see again.

I hope you don't let your inner critic destroy your vacation. I hope instead you tell yourself 10 things you like about yourself, get back outside, and enjoy your vacation.

Please don't judge yourself so harsh and stop feeling ashamed of the bodily reminder of you having your child. Your concern is legitimate only because that's how our society conditions all of us. However, you are the only person who truly can see the journey you've been through and the changes you've made. Whether strangers are judging you or not, you have all the rights in the world to tell them (even if it is just in your head) to f*** off. Enjoy your vacation to the last bit while you are there. I have been suffering from a low self-esteem for a long time myself, but I'm learning to accept myself as who I am and to love the changes I'm making.

For the stretch mark... I found people doing weights for a long time with a proper diet (real food, not fad) seem to have the elasticity back in their skin. It may take a while, but it surely will eventually shrink. It may not be to the point where you desire, but, nonetheless, you will get there. Also, one girl I know of who used a very expensive facial essence (containing EGF) on her post-pregnancy belly had a significant result with the stretch mark. I think it was around $170 or so for a small bottle. Well, still cheaper than surgery, you know.

Also, a cold green tea bag is good for puffy eyes in the morning. Make some tea for you tonight while relaxing in the bath tub, stick it in the refrigerator if you have one in your suite, and use it on your eyes in the morning. Cry no more.

Rachel0778 wrote: »

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling really body conscious today. Comparison truly is the killer of joy and it's a shame that your inner critic is stealing your joy and not allowing you to enjoy your vacation.

There is nothing wrong with your stomach. Your mid-section is an incredible part of your body that successfully carried your child(ren) and supports your body every day.

You are in a different country with people you will never, ever see again. Most likely, your insecurities are built up in your head to be bigger than they are. But even if they're not, most people won't care. The ones who do you will never ever have to see again.

I hope you don't let your inner critic destroy your vacation. I hope instead you tell yourself 10 things you like about yourself, get back outside, and enjoy your vacation.

This

Feel good about how you look in your one-piece. When I was in Spain, I, too, was the only woman in a 1 piece suit, but I saw a lot of bodies that could have benefited from a one-piece. Part of feeling good is dressing for your own body. You are at a good weight, and you look good in your one-piece, so don't feel bad about not wearing a two-piece. There is nothing special about them.

sprepej wrote: »

Feel good about how you look in your one-piece. When I was in Spain, I, too, was the only woman in a 1 piece suit, but I saw a lot of bodies that could have benefited from a one-piece. Part of feeling good is dressing for your own body. You are at a good weight, and you look good in your one-piece, so don't feel bad about not wearing a two-piece. There is nothing special about them.

Hahahaha. XD It reminds me of my friend's story. She used to live in Florida by beach. A nude beach. Evidently, the regulars, or rather pretty much anyone came to the beach, were like those you saw who definitely could've benefited from a one-piece.

I don't mean this in a harsh way - but suck it up, buttercup! You have made TREMENDOUS progress! If you look good in that one-piece, rock it! Your belly ain't the way it is 'cause you're too lazy to work. Maybe you don't want to share your "mommy marks", but that doesn't make them a badge of shame.................

Why are you beating yourself up?
Why let that inner voice ruin Mexico for you?

OP some things are also cultural. I live in a country where we get a lot of tourists at summer and often it is easy to tell who is coming from where just by observing what they wear. Even at the beach. What you wear at the beach says more about where you are coming from thatn about how your body looks. Do not overthink it. The most obvious conclusion anyone would come to by analysing why you are in a one piece is that you are American, not that you are not "appropriately" dressed.
It is the beach. Not a formal event. No one really cares what you wear or how you look. Unless you are doing something to really attract attention, like going naked in a non-nudist beach, intentionally throwing sand on other people, or loudly cursing everyone, you are not going to be the centre of attention, people are too busy having a good time. Do not spend your holidays worrying over absolutely nothing. Go to the beach and have fun.

Life is too short, meditate on that and go get some sun! Also I am assuming you're married or with someone (said you had kids), if so girl you have no one who you need to impress, and if you are perchance single then impress them some other time and enjoy the beach.