Last week, I wrote a post on Hamilton Island. I had around a hundred photos to choose from to accompany it, and most of them I selected in a second.
There was one that I debated for a very long time over as to whether I should show it or not.
It was this one.
Yep, that's me in the middle. I'm not going to lie, I felt incredibly self conscious about it and had some serious doubts after I made myself press that publish button. There's no photoshopping involved, just me surrounded by four gorgeous girls who are all at least four years younger than me and yep, I'm the only one who's had a kid too.
And then, I forced myself to change my mindset. Who cares if I'm not perfect and model like and don't have legs that stretch up to my armpits or an iron flat stomach? I've worked bloody hard to get where I am today, and I'm fit and healthy and at 31 have never felt better. OWN IT WOMAN.
So, in all my braveness right now, I'm posting another.
And look! I'm even sitting next to the model-like gorgeous Crystal. SUPER BRAVE.
Over on We Heart Life today, they're celebrating another fabulous year of I Heart My Body. It's a cause I totally support, which is why I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone against to post the pics that would normally be delegated to the 'never to be published' section. Carly is right when she says that women are most likely to instantly name their problem areas and focus on the negatives, so it's time to embrace the positives. I love that through working out my broad shoulders which were once the bane of my existence are now toned and defined. My arms are starting to show muscle. My legs are my favourite part of me, especially my calves and I feel blessed that I got my mum's green eyes.
Can you believe that last year I was too scared to post anything but my feet? Damn, I feel like I've come a long way. But you know what? I know I won't be on my own. Today, I know there's bloggers out there also pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to take part and that makes me smile. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Can you believe that last year I was too scared to post anything but my feet? Damn, I feel like I've come a long way. But you know what? I know I won't be on my own. Today, I know there's bloggers out there also pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to take part and that makes me smile. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Ladies, be proud. Have fun. You're all beautiful.
Brilliant post. I'd har felt exactly the same about sharing the photos, and yet to me looking at them all I see is a group of gorgeous women having an awesome time.
ReplyDeleteI think you are a total babe in those photos. Trust me, in ten years you'll wonder why on earth you ever hesitated about sharing them! ;P
ReplyDeleteYou should be REALLY proud, because you are INCREDIBLY beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBe proud amongst that sea of bikinis, because you rock a HOT one!
Cherie @ we heart life
xo
If I looked like you in a bikini there would be no hovering of the publish button here ;)
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing!.. I was on Hamilton last week and as I sat around the pool I looked at women who came down and mumbled to hubby, had kids, never had kids, had kids., never had kids as they are paraded around.. so silly , so paranoid and then he said and if anyone was doing the same of you they wouldn't know which.. same goes for you babe. Hot to trot AND had a bubba x
ReplyDeleteRhi, this post made me a little teary. I love the way you write and I loved that you have posted a picture of your gorgeous self. I remember reading your post last year and completely understood why you only shared your feet. I love, love, love that you were confident and brave enough to push publish because you are gorgeous! Inside and out! <3
ReplyDeleteCarly ~ Creator of We Heart Life
You look AMAZING! Your confidence is inspiring. Loved this post. xx
ReplyDeleteGood for you, you look amazing in your pics, it would be such a shame not to share these beautiful photos of you looking so relaxed and happy, not to mention those hot legs! You totally own it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you much Amelia, that means the world to me xx
ReplyDeleteOh Carly, that is so lovely of you! I've been working so hard on my self image and it felt quite liberating to have this out in the blogosphere today xx
ReplyDeleteErin, that is so lovely of you to say! Thank you gorgeous x
ReplyDeleteTessa, I totally get what you mean and I caught myself doing the same thing. I've been learning to banish those silly voices in my head, but it's a process and I'm almost there. You'll get there too lovely! xx
ReplyDeleteOh Lainey, you are beautiful xx Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCherie, thank you so much. I'm learning to listen to others rather than that voice in my head that tries to focus on the negatives xx
ReplyDeleteOh I know. I look back to photos in my 20's and shriek to myself 'why did I EVER have confidence issues!' Thank you hun xx
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE GORGEOUS, you work hard, love yourself just as much xx
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to body confidence, you're my inspiration babe xx
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm popping over from We Heart Life. I love your pics. Don't be self conscious! All the girls in the pic are beautiful in their own way and you all look so happy. Good on you!
ReplyDeleteHi, I've found you from we heart life - your confidence is absolutely inspiring, you look stunning!
ReplyDeleteYou look great
ReplyDeleteThey are great photos! You look happy, strong and gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYOU ROCK! Love your attitude and you look FAB lady x
ReplyDeleteWow.. you look AMAHZING! You look gorgeous, confident and happy! I am glad you published these xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely. I'm definitely working on the whole 'don't be self conscious' thing! xx
ReplyDeleteLyndal, that is so lovely, and thank you for popping over! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are such a sweetheart! Thank you lovely xx
ReplyDeleteRight back atcha gorgeous :P Thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteAw Jane, you are such a doll! Thank you lovely, you've made my day xx
ReplyDeleteTo go from feet to gorgeous bikini shot is coming a long way, and I'm personally very thankful as I hate feet hehe. You've done so well and you look gorgeous x
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! You look super hot, and more importantly, super happy. Own it, indeed!
ReplyDeleteyou were an inspiration to me in so many ways to get off my couch and on my feet. And from there I hit the gym and haven't looked back since. Your strength and your beauty always amazes me. I'm glad you've had a glimpse of what I see in you every single day. Beauty, strength and quality.
ReplyDeleteOh Rhi, you have my DREAM bikini body! Embrace that shiz x
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesomely brave photo, but you look amazing in it! Own it! I'm excited to get my body fit and healthy!
ReplyDeleteJust feet last year? You look great. So glad you didn't hold yourself back this time. xox
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thank you so much gorgeous Glow. You're a beautiful soul xx
ReplyDeleteI remember feeling so happy I could burst at that point in time. Thank you lovely! xx
ReplyDeleteOh God Liss, you made me a little teary. Thank you so much lovely, that means everything to me xx
ReplyDeleteYay! I think you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, you look amazing. I wish I looked that good in a bikini after my first. But I haven't worn a 2 piece swimsuit since my second child. Now that I have 3, I'm considering swimming in a t-shirt? hehe x
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome. One of those days, I think. Teary all round. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely Holly! I'm embracing that shiz all the way :P
ReplyDeleteThank you gorgeous girl! Enjoy the fitness journey! (Wow, that sounded a bit wanky :P)
ReplyDeleteWait til you see what I have in store next year... haha. No, that's enough for me. Thank you lovely! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks gorgeous! xx
ReplyDeleteOh Kelly, I bet you look just beautiful. Thank you lovely xx
ReplyDeleteI think you look amazing, Rhi x
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful. And you have no reason at all to hide. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow look how far you've come in a year from feet to bikini, work it mumma, way to go.
ReplyDeleteMy God you have a hot body hun - flaunt it and be proud - you look amazing, seriosuly! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are a hottie. :D
ReplyDeleteYou say you are surrounded by model-like girls, as though you are not a part of them!
ReplyDeleteI dont see a difference between you and the others... you look amazing!
Get out of here! You are gorgeous. Own it woman!!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! I love your attitude and your determination to challenge yourself. I'm going through a similar process at the moment, trying to push myself out of the comfort zone. Publishing my own I Heart My Body post is all part of that! Maybe next year I'll have a breakthrough akin to yours going from showing your feet to being in a bikini!
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely lady xx
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely, no more hiding from me anymore!
ReplyDeleteThanks Trudie! Workin' it the best I can :P
ReplyDeleteOh Sonia, thanks so much. That's lovely of you xx
ReplyDeleteSo are YOU my dear! xx
ReplyDeleteJess, that's so sweet of you. Thanks hun, you've brightened my day xx
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteYay, go Amanda! I can't wait to see you flaunt it next year! Thanks so much lovely xx
ReplyDelete