One of the first things we came across today while browsing the internet was an article about a blogger named Jessica Kane. Jessica describes herself as a “30-something body confidence fashion blogging pioneer” She blogs via Life and Style of Jessica Kane located at lifeandstyleofjessica.com.
Recently Jessica posted photos of herself on the beach with friends on her blog and social media pages. The photos prompted people to talk about how brave Jessica was for wearing a swimsuit on the beach.
Note: Jessica wears a size 24 on top, size 26/28 on bottom according to information posted on her blog.
In response to people calling her brave for wearing a swimsuit on a beach Jessica wrote the following:
“THIS WAS NOT BRAVE. I’ve been told how brave I am for not having a coverup, but going with out a wrap would only take bravery if I cared what others thought of me, but I don’t. I spend my time worrying about things I CAN control and this day, I was only thinking about how fab I felt and how much sun I was catching Things that DO take bravery? A family battling tragic illness, a mother trying to beat addiction, a person trying to break free of domestic violence, reaching out for help when you have already planned your suicide and feel like you can’t breath one more day. THAT is brave. Not wearing a swimsuit at the beach. LIVE life and only worry about what really matters.”
We really appreciate that reminder.
Even so, we understand how difficult it can be for some people to own their right to exist at whatever their size and in whatever their shape. Because we live in a society where people will gawk and talk and make you ashamed for being less than their perception of perfect. So we get why people would use the word brave. They are just projecting. Because they would not have the confidence to do it themselves, they see Jessica as being brave. But ultimately, Jessica Kane’s response is right on target. And we’re glad to be able to start our day off with this thought in mind. An attitude like Jessica’s will do far more to empower you than a choice to live your life worrying about what other people are thinking about you and how you’re living your life.
- Don’t concern yourself with what other people might think about you.
- Don’t do what you think will get you their approval. You’ll never get it.
- Don’t live your life trying to avoid their ridicule. There’s always going to be somebody who’s going to have something to say.
- Ignore the noise and live your life!
Featured image is NOT an image of Jessica Kane. Featured image is a stock photo of a model on the beach. Via stock.adobe.com
