Midlife. It's a time of great transformation. A time when nature brings forces that sometimes seem greater than us; to have us ask ourselves, 'who am I?' and 'what do I want?'. As daunting as it is at times, it's also a wonderful opportunity to design the next half of our lives our way. To create a new puzzle and bring it together piece by piece.
After serving 1000's of women in midlife over the past 12 years, I've come to learn that how they feel about their bodies is a BIG piece of the puzzle. One they find hard to put in place, to make it complete.
And getting into a swimsuit is a real test of that. For some, it's a tweak here and there. But for others, it takes a lot more.
Alison's Story
She had a lot of confidence in her business, but didn't have that for herself.
Covering up her body with a swimdress gave Alison comfort, a compromise between what she wanted to do (swim and relax by the pool on the cruise) and stepping out 'with' her body. It was also a clue to what going on inside, in her mind. And there were other clues too. Alison was usually the one taking the photos and when she was in them, she would deliberately use her husband as a human shield. That way, she didn't have to show her body...her size.
There is no doubt that wearing a swimsuit is absolutely putting yourself out there flapping in the breeze. There IS less fabric (for practical reasons) and with that, more for others to see. Like so many women do, Alison felt all eyes would be on her. Others would stare and judge and perhaps even comment in a negative way.
Wind the clock forward and she now knows the truth. That others are far too concerned with themselves to notice her. And that her size does not define her.
SO WHAT'S CHANGED FOR ALISON?
In a nutshell, Alison's thoughts about her body have changed and it extends far beyond the beach and the pool. With that positive mindset shift, her confidence has spilled over into other aspects of her life. To use her words, she's grown.
It hasn't happened overnight, but it has happened and it started with the click of a button in a Facebook feed.
She took action. Alison realised something had to change. She was ready. She was ready to create her future. To step out from behind and put herself first, in front. Maybe you're feeling it's time too.
Alison has been an active member of The Summer Confidence Society for over 12 months now and her transformation has been incredible. She's put in the work and is reaping the rewards. Change like this doesn't happen without stretching your boundaries. But with the right knowledge, the support of other women who understand, who don't judge, who want to change too, it's easier. When the space is safe to be you, it's easier again.
PROVING TO YOURSELF, YOU CAN DO IT – IT'S POSSIBLE
It's one thing to learn the 'theory' but when you put it into practice and can see the difference, belief is real and confidence soars.
Is there a greater test of body confidence then putting a swimsuit on and being in a swimsuit shoot? A shoot where the photos are going to be used on websites, on social media to encourage other women to do the same?
I think not. What do you think?
That's exactly what Alison did. Was she apprehensive, nervous and doubting herself? Absolutely! But again, with the support of understanding others doing the same, Alison went with it and boy did she shine!
ALISON'S TOP TIPS FOR YOU
1. When you know it's time, hit that button, don't hesitate. 'Breathe' and then move forward.
2. Join a supportive group to learn how you think about your body, about you.
3. As you learn, don't worry if some things don't seem doable at the time. You can always go back and take it in when you're ready. Don't feel the pressure but do keep in touch.*
4. Getting things out of your head and down on paper. I never thought I needed to do that but when I did the Vision Board of my ideal summer, it became clear what I wanted and I then had something to work towards.*
- This is what Alison learned and did in The Summer Confidence Society.
Alison now gently nudges her husband out of the way when he goes to stand in front at photo time and lets him know she's got this. No holding back.
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If you'd like to feel supported in your summer confidence journey, then I invite you to join our community of like-minded women seeking to do the same. We hang out on social media in our private Facebook group Women 40+, Self Love, Body Love, Summer Confidence.
We also have a paid membership community, The Summer Confidence Society where the transformation from unsure to confident in a swimsuit is possible. Covering Mindset, Style and Wellness it is a wonderful place to learn, connect and grow.
Shop for your Swimsuits and Resortwear over on www.SequinsandSand.com.au where you'll find the popular Shape & Size Calculator to get you on your way.
We can't wait to welcome you where ever you'd like to connect.
To your summer confidence.
Anita
xx
Founder, Sequins and Sand.
============
If you'd like to feel supported in your summer confidence journey, then I invite you to join our community of like-minded women seeking to do the same. We hang out on social media in our private Facebook group Women 40+, Self Love, Body Love, Summer Confidence.
We also have a paid membership community, The Summer Confidence Society where the transformation from unsure to confident in a swimsuit is possible. Covering Mindset, Style and Wellness it is a wonderful place to learn, connect and grow. Alison is a member.
Shop for your Swimsuits and Resortwear over on www.SequinsandSand.com.au where you'll find the popular Shape & Size Calculator to get you on your way.
We can't wait to welcome you where ever you'd like to connect.
To your summer confidence.
Anita
xx
Founder, Sequins and Sand.
