Bikini Season is NOT Over/It’s Safe to Enjoy

My feed is full of diet and exercise “solutions” for me, telling me that how I look is not okay. I have a belly, which my feed calls a “meno-belly.” I have body parts that jiggle more than they used to, and not in the way pop culture suggests is appealing. That’s fact.

Recently, while contemplating our family’s years-in-the-making winter 2025 beach vacation, Evie, my evil inner critic, told me, “Sascha, bikini season is over. This year you graduate to a mom-kini.” You know, the two-piecers that cover everything?

“Girlfriend,” she whispered, “isn’t the path of kindness for yourself and others a swimsuit that covers whatever body parts can be covered?”

Listening to Evie, I pushed the button to get a mom-kini with boy shorts option. I wanted to feel comfortable playing with my son and nephews on the beach. Evie told me the mom suit would help with that.

But once we arrived at our beach destination I remembered that I love the feel of the sand, wind, and water on my skin. I remembered that feeling comfortable is a brain thing, not a swimsuit thing.

I put on my old stand-by suit and set out for the sun. “Don’t do it!” Evie warned as I exited our room. I strode forth anyway.

No one screamed in horror. No one recoiled in disgust. I got my beach on. I played with the kids. I felt comfortable.

Evie was wrong: Bikini season is NOT over. It’s safe to enjoy life. I’m gonna keep going.