My first two piece swimsuit

I promised my 5 year old a couple of weeks ago that we would go to the pool on a hot day. I stopped by Walmart to pick up a swimsuit because I haven't purchased one since before she was born. NOTHING fit me. Even after losing 15lbs in the last 2 months, I couldn't find a swimsuit at Walmart that fit. It was incredibly disappointing.

I took a moment to feel that frustration, but I had made a promise to my kid, so off to the mall we went to see what Torrid had to offer. They had no one piece swimsuits at all, but several options in two pieces. I took a deep breath and tried on a few, not feeling impressed and feeling incredibly self-conscious at the idea of being in public with any part of my stomach showing.

Norah started whining about how long the shopping was taking--she wanted to be in the water, darn it! So finally I tried on the last swimsuit. I stood and looked at myself in the mirror for a long time. I posted a selfie on twitter to ask my friends' advice. And then I bought it, because how was I supposed to tell this little girl I'm trying to raise to buck society's expectations and love herself for who she is "Sorry honey, we can't go swimming after all because people would frown on a woman my size in a swimsuit that shows my stomach"?

We got to the pool, I put on the suit and immediately started receiving compliments left and right. I actually felt *good* in a swimsuit for the first time in my life. I wore it again this past weekend on the beach, laying out in the open for the world to see, stretch marks and all. I felt confident. I felt bold. I felt amazing. And honestly, that's the best NSV I could ask for.

So for those of you standing on the sidelines missing out on incredible memories because you are worried what other people might think? Just go for it. I promise you it's worth it and you'll be having so much fun you won't even notice those jerks.