Taking Chances | Tummy Tucked

Where do I even begin? Earlier this week I did something that purely terrified me…it’s something so simple and stupid, that I’m sure many of you will give me the side-eye: “really Maya?” I know it’s ridiculous, but it’s something that I always felt insecure about…and swore to myself I would never do.

I’m not one to let fear or insecurity hold me back from trying new things. And if I am to truly love and accept myself for who I am, I have to take chances — especially when they terrify me. It has always been my hope that my life’s journey — these blog posts — will inspire others to appreciate life and to love who they are…feeling confident in their own body. 

So……what did I do?

For the first time, ever, I tucked my shirt in….and kept it in. This is a no judgment zone…right? Here’s what happened.

Tummy Tucked

As a plus size woman, tucking my shirt in was something that I thought I just shouldn’t do. That it’s unflattering, or too ‘revealing’, showing every nook and cranny of my body. I’m realizing now that it had nothing to do with my size, but more to do with my self-esteem and comfortableness with my body.
I realized that I used my size as a scapegoat. Here’s the thing….if I truly loved and cherished my body, it wouldn’t matter whether or not something so trivial looked ‘unflattering’….as long as I loved it.

Taking Chances

So I decided: enough is enough. Stop hiding behind my insecurities, self-doubt, and fears. Sometimes the things that scare us the most in life, no matter how big or how small, are the things that we must take a chance on. They are the things that help us grow, learn, achieve, break down barriers, and propel forward in life.

So for me, tucking my shirt in (and leaving it tucked in), was a major accomplishment. And I was really proud of myself for it. Guess what….I loved it! I took a chance, put my fears aside, and held my head up high as I went throughout the day.

I encourage you all to embrace your fears. Purposely do things that will challenge your insecurities, and push yourself past them.

It’s scary. There’s nowhere to hide. People may laugh at you, say mean things. You may look funny. Make mistakes. Do it wrong. The list goes on and on.
But who cares?! At least you can say that you tried. Learn from it. Embrace it. Try it again. Who knows….you might love it!

Like FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Don’t let it hold you back. Most importantly, don’t let it hold you back from inspiring others. As my grandmother would say, you never know who’s watching. You never know who is looking to you for inspiration or encouragement. Taking a chance, facing your fears, could very well be the catalyst that someone needs to face their own.
Lastly, find love in yourself. In your flaws and insecurities. Sometimes as women we try so hard to be perfect, that we forget what ‘perfection’ really means: completeness, purpose, freedom. It’s not about what society says is ‘sexy’ or the ‘ideal image of beauty’. It’s about who you are! We each are fearfully and wonderfully made….just as we are. Always remember that. xoxo

Outfit

Daisy Crochet Waterfall Duster Vest

Marled Stripe Floppy Hat (similar)

[Tweet “”If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” — Seth Godin #thePINKcaboodle”]

PinkCaboodle

Maya is owner of Pink Caboodle, specializing in Fashion and Body Positivity.