A couple of weeks ago, my friend Kristal (Fearless.Flawless.Free) came to visit so that we could have our first photo shoot. I had such a blast spending time with her, watching her do her thang, and hearing her cheer me on as I did mine. On the way back to our car, she looked over at me and said, “Let’s go on the swings!”
…
My first thought: “Are you freaking kidding me?!” I was certain there was no way my big booty would fit on that itty-bitty swing. But Kristal thought otherwise…so I tried it anyway.
And much to my surprise, not only was I able to swing, I had the most fun I’ve had in a loooooong time!
From this experience I’ve learned several things:
- I am truly a big kid at heart. I seriously had such a blast swinging and giggling, having a great time next to my friend.
- I can’t let fear hold me back from trying new things…especially things that I feel are impossible. I can’t let doubt underestimate my potential to ‘act’. I feel like this has been the theme for life lately…to ‘release the fear’. Sometimes we just have to take ‘A Swing At Life’ and go after the things we desire. Whether that be applying for a new job, asking a guy out on a date, or traveling the world…whatever. Don’t be afraid to live your dreams. Don’t let fear hold you back. What is this for you? Think about what you ‘can’t do’, and ask yourself…is it really that you can’t do it, or are you just afraid to?
- ‘Right Now’ is the perfect time to discover something new about yourself. Sometimes it’s so easy to tell yourself that you can’t do something. In the meantime, you are missing out on all the opportunities to discover what you can do. With all the strides and leaps that I’ve made in my confidence, I’m learning that there is still room for improvement. Being a ‘Body Positive’ blogger, sometimes you feel the pressure to have ‘it’ together. But, being body positive doesn’t mean that I am 100% satisfied with how things are. It simply means that I am learning to love myself as I am. I am actively discovering new ways to embrace each insecurity or fear that I have. This experience has taught me that I need to be less quick to say ‘no’, and more quick to take a leap of faith….or in this case, a swing of faith 😜 I can’t wait on my weight to try new things…especially things that I think are only for smaller body types. It’s so easy to give into stereotypes that after a while, you accept them as true…they become a part of how you view yourself. So this ride on the swing (as stupid as it sounds), was a simple reminder that I can do anything I put my mind to — regardless of my age, shape, weight, or size. *cough* Remind me to tell you about that time I went zip-lining in Costa Rica!
So yeah! Who knew you could learn so much by riding on the swings 😂 I encourage you to discover what it is in your life that keeps you from trying new things. What is it that you’re afraid of? How do your views on life — of yourself — impact your potential? What are you missing out on? Is it really that you can’t do it, or are you just afraid to do it? Once you figure this out, act on it, and push yourself through your insecurities and doubts. Release the fear….and swing!
