Beautiful Campaign: Swimwear day 4

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. These are such true words to a degree. It becomes more true when you finally realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder of a certain person. That beholder being yourself. I didn't know the truth behind these words till I was about 26. Before then I thought beauty was being skinny, having the perfect body. I was 300lbs at the time and didn't consider myself beautiful at all. I decided then to take matters into my own hands. I had a gastric bypass and lost 140lbs. With the weight loss I gained confidence. I found that I was a strong woman. I was worthy of being loved and respected. I found myself. I found confidence. My world changed for the better. I no longer let my now ex husband walk all over me. Telling me no one would love me except him. I found I am worthy of more.

No, I am not perfect nor is my body. With the weight loss I now have extra skin on my arms (my kids call them my wings!), my belly (having 3 kids added to this), and my thighs (yup, they jiggle!). In clinical terms my BMI is considered obese; however I don't see it that way. Sure I have gained back about 30lbs from my weight loss but I still see myself as beautiful. How? Well, I discovered that my beauty is more about confidence than physical beauty. I am a strong woman that has many amazing talents, qualities, strengths, and a spirit that will no longer let anyone crush it. My body may be far from perfect but I can still be sexy and am beautiful because I am confident in myself.

Best way to finally celebrate this...why not make a vintage inspired bathing suit using the Vintage Bikini Crop Top and Vintage Bikini Bottoms by Dandelions n' Dungarees. You heard that right, a bikini. I have never worn one before, however the high waist bottoms tuck in my extra skin and accent my natural waist and the top helps lift the sag. Yup, this suit and photo shoot was the cherry on top of the sundae (and yes I still indulge in sundaes!). So here you go world. I am beautiful and I will wear what looks great on me despite my flaws. I am strong. I am worthy. I am beautiful. I am confident. I am sexy. I am imperfectly me. ~Rebekah from RebekahSews