Embracing My Body & My Swimsuit Style

I don’t make a habit of posting pictures of myself in a swimsuit. But when my blogger amiga, María José Ovalle, shared her idea asking women to practice self love, not self loathing this summer with the #MySwimsuitStyle challenge – I knew I had to participate. Especially since I had just ordered a two-piece swimsuit (GASP!).

Last year I stepped into a fitting room to try on a bathing suit and walked out almost in tears. I eventually settled on a swimsuit and was determined to lose weight. Remember when I talked about the weight I gained and how I needed to make lifestyle change. Welp, I’ve gained a little more weight since then.

I know. I know. But the struggle is real people.

Anyway, I spent most of last summer, sitting on the sidelines while Joseph and Norrin splashed around at the pool and water park. When I finally ventured in to cool off, I slipped a tank top on over my bathing suit. Yup, I had become that mom.

It felt horrible when Norrin asked me to go into the pool with him and I said no just because I was self-conscious about my body and how I looked in a swimsuit. I didn’t want that to be the case this summer. Even though I haven’t lost any weight, I don’t want that to hold me back from enjoying the summer with my family. Norrin is growing up so fast and I’ve got that whole FOMO going on.

I knew this had to be the summer I accepted the body I have instead of waiting for the body I want. And I feel happy that I found not 1, not 2 but 3 swimsuits that fit me the way I want.

Each time I looked in the mirror I didn’t ask myself “Does this make me look fat?” I asked “Does this make me feel good?”

And they did.

Last weekend, I went to the pool with Norrin and Joseph. This time I didn’t sit on the side sweating my nalgas off, I got in the pool wearing my two-piece suit. And you know what? I didn’t care. The thing is, my kid doesn’t think I’m fat. He’s not looking at the bulge around my waist or the dimples in my thighs. He’s just happy, I’m playing in the pool.

I had so much fun that afternoon, I forgot to take a picture for this post. Okay, fine. If I’m really being honest, as comfortable as I was wearing the suit, I didn’t feel that comfortable posing in public. (And if you know, I’m all about selfies – it’s hard to take a full body selfie) Soooo baby steps. Besides the summer’s just begun. I’m ready to accept my body and #MySwimsuitStyle.

Putting on a bathing suit and going to the pool is one thing, taking selfies in one and posting them on line is another. And it’s kind of freaking me out that I’m doing this. (My hands were shaking taking the pictures.) But letting go of all my insecurities is liberating. And I think I look pretty okay – chichos and all.

Thank you Miraclesuit for providing me with this amazing swimsuit for accepting the #MySwimsuitStyle Challenge. I initially agreed to the post before Miraclesuit decided to sponsor it. I love it! It’s super comfortable, figure flattering and I feel good in it!

I am far from “beach body” ready but I don’t care. Especially in this fantastic @miraclesuitswim! This summer it’s all about loving not loathing your body. Read more #ontheblog www.atypicalfamilia.com & follow #MySwimsuitStyle

A post shared by ✨ Lisa Quinones ✨ (@laliquin) on Jun 18, 2015 at 9:25pm PDT