Liz Thompson
Have you seen the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue? I know, not exactly what we women reach for in the supermarket line. But you may want to pick one up this year.
Why?
Because of Ashley Graham, the first ever plus-size model to grace the annual edition’s pages. She is a glorious size 16 and absolutely gorgeous. She’s also a Nebraksa native. just sayin’.
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Now, I am not saying that we shouldn’t think the other, smaller models are just as deserving of our attention. Still, the inclusion of a bikini-clad Graham somehow makes us all feel more accepting of our figures, plus-size or not.
While Ashley is definitely blessed with some natural beauty, one thing really stands out. And that is her confidence. She looks like she feels absolutely comfortable and happy in her skin, just like plus size model Lizzie Miller did in her 2011 Glamour magazine spread. Showing confident women of all sizes helps all women feel confident in our bodies.
I was recently talking with my sister and a friend about our bodies. Now that we are 40-somethings, we wish we’d realized what we had in our 20s and 30s rather than constantly striving for better. Something most women do.
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Then a thought occurred to me. We are still doing that. Pining for our more youthful bodies and not enjoying the ones we have now. Why not be happy with the way you are because one day, inevitably, things will change.
While I’ve never been one to slam the perfect body image (Barbie and fashion mags were a huge part of my growing up years!), I truly believe we are all made the way we are supposed to be. Taking care of what you have is the best gift you can give yourself.
Who’s with me?
[Image of swimsuit via Shutterstock]
