Confident In Your Own Skin

Jul 12

Jul 12 Confident In Your Own Skin

One early morning in walks my friend Ellen Tailor. At the time both of us were working morning radio on two local stations in Seattle. She told me about an opportunity she thought would be a 'perfect' fit for the both us. "Uh-oh," I thought, "What is she going to sell me this time??" She mentions the company Coco Reef and bikinis and I'm instantly nervous. Ellen goes, "What do you think about a photo shoot in Coco Reef bikinis and posting the pics on our social media?" I instantly choked on my coffee. Ummm me in a bikini, taking pics and posting them for the world to see??!! HELL NO! Can you imagine all the negative comments people are going to say about you? They're going to point out your flaws and wonder if you even workout. My mind was racing. I was nervous. I've never done anything like this. You would think I'd be comfortable with my body. I workout 5 days week. I've been doing CrossFit for over 5 years. I go to yoga when I can squeeze it in and run when I can't quiet my mind. So why am I so nervous about doing a photo shoot in a bikini? And here is the other question, why is Ellen so calm about it? The two of us are complete opposites when it comes to working out and food. I love peanut butter and protein and Ellen enjoys her fries. Working out is my form of therapy and Ellen well I'd have to bait her with a coffee or two to go for a walk. So how could I say no?

"Well what do you think," Ellen asks. And I replied, "Yes".

Friends have a way of twisting your arm and convincing you to do things you wouldn't typically do. Sometimes those 'things' are good for you. Sometimes you realize you should've said no from the start. In this case I was glad I did it. In today's society we are constantly criticized and brought down by people hiding behind a screen name or Twitter handle. Trolling you because you're too skinny or too fat. Too muscular. Too tall. Too short. What happened to the days we would praise each other's accomplishments? To the days we would look for the beauty in things? These pictures are 100% unedited. 100% REAL. And I love them.

Confidence. It's what I gained from this photoshoot. Don't hide behind your imperfections. Embrace them. Those imperfections are what make you - YOU! Love yourself. Love your imperfections and love your body. After all you only have one body to live in. Celebrate YOU.

Enjoy 20% off Coco Reef swimwear by using code: Deanna20 at www.cocoreefswim.com