This year, closer to 60, I purchased not one but two-2-piece swimsuits… (but really, does anyone actually swim in a two piece? One of the two pieces always ends up where it doesn’t belong…) (which can be embarrassing…mostly to my kids…). Not that my figure has changed that much. But my mindset has changed.

In Europe, two pieces are more the norm if they wear a top at all. No one thinks their figure isn’t worthy of a two-piece suit… this is some strange American thing… feeling inadequate or not good enough. In Europe women are more “comfortable in their skin”, as Mireille Guiliano said in her 2004 book, French Women Don’t Get Fat. She said French women se sentir bien dans votre peau.

To feel comfortable in your skin is something that you are born with. Young children aren’t running about covering themselves up because of all their baby fat. No! It’s something that happens to you during those challenging teenage years when you are trying to grow into yourself. Suddenly other people’s opinions take the front seat and you lose your sense of groundedness, your sense of self.

But then you reach a certain age when you finally figure out that other people’s opinions don’t much matter. You realize you are great just the way you are. (Is that a line from Bridget Jone’s Diary?)

And so, I step out proudly in my two-piece suit and my ghostly white stomach with the goal to bronze that stomach by the end of the summer. I am going to wear these suits and revel in my new tan lines. Where is the Bain de Soleil # 8 with its great smell? And the TAB and Fresca I drank in my youth?

It’s summer and I love the feeling of the sun on my skin. I love reading summer novels. I love wearing sleazy little sundresses in the roasting heat of the day. I love eating deep red cherries, strawberries still warm from the field, and barbequed hamburgers out on the back porch. And did you say rosé??? Pernod???

Summer is a simpler time. Less driving around time and more time to relax and get lost in your novel.

Take your time this summer and enjoy the season! Enjoy all the pleasures summer has to offer. Enjoy the longer days. Enjoy the heat. Enjoy time with your kids and loved ones.

This week, adapt the summer attitude of finding pleasure in the simple things that abound during this time of year!

Be present in your days and enjoy the time.

Maybe … a root beer float????

Best,

Alicia

Well… I like vibrant colors! And I can always find my swimsuits in my suitcase! Do you remember my old suit? I’ll add that picture below!

Here is my regular suit…see… no tummy tanning possible!!! Costco Special! And it is very popular with all the ladies in my water aerobics classes! But none of us have tan tummies. So I have to break out of the Costco Fashion Mold.