It’s August first and, as Kym reminded us the other day, it’s the last full month of summer. Thinking about that makes me feel a little wistful but I’m determined to not give in to the summer blues. Instead, I’m going to make the most of this last month and today I am sharing Three Things I’m Saying YES To Right Now that will help me make the most of August.
- Going sleeveless. I have a . . . thing . . . about my upper arms. They are most certainly not toned and they kind of . . . flap about a bit. Because of this I tend to avoid sleeveless tops and dresses. This is unfortunate because (1) I wind up with some awkward tan lines because I drive around the convertible so much and (2) it’s been very hot and sticky and sleeveless is surely the way to go. So, I’m going to cast aside my shame and fear and just GO SLEEVELESS whenever I want for the month of August.
- Getting in the water. I didn’t intend to write a post about body shame but when it comes to wearing a bathing suit I’m definitely self-conscious. It’s stupid and I don’t like feeling that way and I have to remember that the only one judging me is, well, me. Often what happens is I get to the beach and I sit down in my chair and I don’t get up and walk around, figuring that way no one is looking at me. But guess what? Doing that isn’t nearly as fun as going for a walk on the beach or going swimming. I read something the other day that said, “you want a bikini body? Put on a bikini. Now you have a bikini body.” I certainly won’t be sporting a bikini but I vow for the month of August that I am going to say YES to getting in the water!
- Enjoying it all! Seriously, I want to eat ice cream and lobster, drink rosé and listen to music on the deck, vacation on Cape Cod and read on the beach, drive in the convertible and all of the other things that will (sob) go away when the cold weather arrives. I intend to relish every bit of summer that’s left, just watch me!
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Good for you! My kind of girl. Do it all and you’ll have a great August.
Sounds like you’ll make it a great August! I have the same upper arm thing so I usually wear short sleeves and have tan lines, but I figure I don’t look any worse than many others on the beach, so I wear a bathing suit and get in the water. It’s too hot not to!
YES! You bare those arms and get in the water! It’s summer. Enjoy all that it has to offer!
XOXO
Yay for you! I have the same issues going on and I say go for it!! Enjoy August and have some fun.
Carole, your post really resonated with me today. We recently had news that a woman we know and work with, in her late 50s, was just diagnosed with ALS. It’s been hard to grasp that. And while I was in a moment of not feeling 100% in my favorite white jeans yesterday (my thighs seem to have grown), her news hit me again–and I told myself, Love yourself, love your body, love whatever it is that you’re doing right now, celebrate it all. So I LOVE your YES month in August. It sure sounds like a glorious celebration of summer! Thank you. And Enjoy!
Sounds like a great way to celebrate your last month of summer! And please don’t be self-conscious about your body that way.
I think that’s one of the best features of this island: the locals don’t have that problem at all. A lot of the women (and men too) are overweight, but they walk around proudly in tight clothes (leggings with short shirts!) and bikinis. I tend to be very self-conscious too, but looking around and seeing all those women enjoying life and accepting their bodies the way they are is very inspiring and freeing. Most expats and tourists feel the same way, it seems, since the beaches are full of imperfect (normal!) women in bikinis. As it should be.
I, too, am excited about all August holds. And, go you for your things one and two – I think we are our own worst enemies when it comes to being self-conscious about our bodies. This heat has helped me “get over” my arms – sleeveless FTW! And, I say good.for.us! I am raising my sleeveless arm in solidarity!! XOXO
Sleeveless for the win! I somehow thought you get to a certain age and shouldn’t go sleeveless (???) but have put that crazy notion aside and am quite comfortable in this heat! Enjoy that ocean Carole…every damn day!
Sleeveless tops and sandals and iced coffee – ready for August!
I can completely identify with the self-consciousness about summer clothing/bathing suits. But I’ve come to realize that I’m probably more aware of it than anyone else (and they’re probably worrying about how *they* look too much to notice me!). I’m glad to hear that you’re freeing yourself of those worries so that you can be more comfortable and enjoy the summer more!
I feel the same way about my arms and beach body. This summer has been so hot I’m now mostly over worrying about my arms and thankfully (??? or not!) I work all summer so I don’t have time to go to the beach. This year, I haven’t even had a chance to enjoy the lake that we live on!
Eat some ice cream for me!
SO many people I know go sleeveless and their arms are certainly not the perfectly sculpted, young non-flabby arms we see in the media. Few people have arms like that. We need to sport the look of real people and make any arm acceptable when bare. I’m with you! We need to enjoy every last second of summer-like weather that comes our way! I’m rooting for beautiful weather through October (at least)!
What an inspiring post, Carole! I have finally gotten old enough that I don’t worry much about how I look, but I am a tiny bit self conscious about my arms. I tell myself that at least I have 2 arms, and at least they work, so there’s that. I think being all in for the end of summer is a grand approach. I am also looking forward to the harvest that starts soon and seeing the best of fruits and veggies at the market. I love summer produce. Happy August!
Do it! All of it!
I love that “bikini body” thing… I’ve seen that before and, while I won’t be sporting a bikini, either, I am behind the thought 100%. I don’t really like swimming, and don’t go to the beach very often, but I like to wear a suit when I do!
GOT ARMS? I have NEVER been ashamed of or apologetic about my sometimes fat/flabby/untoned upper arms and almost every summer top & dress I own is sleeveless. I don’t know when or why I took such a hard stand about my summertime comfort years ago, but I did and have not wavered (though my weight and toning have). (My poochy tummy with a tucked in shirt? THAT’S where I have a THING.)
I used to never wear sleeveless tops. And you know what, I was so hot and uncomfortable! So, now I do and I’m much happier. 🙂 Do what you want to do, it’s your one precious life.