This is an interesting and important essay, thank you Kristi. I have a regular sized, petite body and I still struggle with taking my body on vacation so I think this is an important thing for everyone to talk about and consider. I've never had any work done, I'm post menopausal, I've had two children and I almost never wear a bathing suit. All the comparisons and insecurities come out when it's time to start packing so it is helpful to hear someone else's story.
I love the pictures you shared, especially the mud baths! You two look fabulous.
Thank you, Donna. It really helped me to realize that just about all people seem to struggle with their bodies on vacation. The last time we were in Hawaii, I told my oldest daughter that I was feeling so self-conscious because of all the pretty people, and she was like, "oh, me too, and I'm tiny." I'm starting to realize that having that kind of awareness ahead of time might be helpful.
St. Lucia looks amazing! I love that you two could find some hiking and other areas to appreciate (besides the beach). We've really enjoyed our beach trips, but recently stayed in the woods beside a lake, and I think that was the most relaxed I've felt in a really long time, and it lasted even when I returned.
Well done here, Kristi! Your voice is clear and you're finding your sea legs here on Substack. This is going to help some folks.
Thank you, my friend. We did hit the beach, and the snorkeling was terrific, but I am not really a beach person. Woods by the lake sounds pretty perfect.
I think I'm more of an ocean person than the beach, if that makes sense. I hate the sand, and I have no interest in getting into the water. HOWEVER, that smell and view are unlike any other, and very nice.
All that said... I may be joining you on the woods/lake preference! This was very good for all of us (Alley + her folks were with us).
YES!!! I was feeling so good going into the trip and feeling like I had a grip on those feelings, and yet they came up again just the same, but I do realize now, they're temporary.
And I always think of you when I see pictures of Glacier. It's a small world when a woman from California and one from Texas can be in the same place in Montana and know they were both there - almost in the same spot. What are the odds of that?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thank you! I was just at an outdoor, shared hot tub experience and kept noticing how chatty my mind was about my size and how my size compared to other sizes etc. etc. etc. Exhausting, although I still managed to have a nice time. Really enjoy your writing!
This is an interesting and important essay, thank you Kristi. I have a regular sized, petite body and I still struggle with taking my body on vacation so I think this is an important thing for everyone to talk about and consider. I've never had any work done, I'm post menopausal, I've had two children and I almost never wear a bathing suit. All the comparisons and insecurities come out when it's time to start packing so it is helpful to hear someone else's story.
I love the pictures you shared, especially the mud baths! You two look fabulous.
Thank you, Donna. It really helped me to realize that just about all people seem to struggle with their bodies on vacation. The last time we were in Hawaii, I told my oldest daughter that I was feeling so self-conscious because of all the pretty people, and she was like, "oh, me too, and I'm tiny." I'm starting to realize that having that kind of awareness ahead of time might be helpful.
St. Lucia looks amazing! I love that you two could find some hiking and other areas to appreciate (besides the beach). We've really enjoyed our beach trips, but recently stayed in the woods beside a lake, and I think that was the most relaxed I've felt in a really long time, and it lasted even when I returned.
Well done here, Kristi! Your voice is clear and you're finding your sea legs here on Substack. This is going to help some folks.
Thank you, my friend. We did hit the beach, and the snorkeling was terrific, but I am not really a beach person. Woods by the lake sounds pretty perfect.
I think I'm more of an ocean person than the beach, if that makes sense. I hate the sand, and I have no interest in getting into the water. HOWEVER, that smell and view are unlike any other, and very nice.
All that said... I may be joining you on the woods/lake preference! This was very good for all of us (Alley + her folks were with us).
What a beautiful place 😍 It looks so lush, but all the steps sounds like hard work 😅
Your story illustrates that it takes such a long time and it is an ongoing practice to be content in our bodies, at least most of the time.
YES!!! I was feeling so good going into the trip and feeling like I had a grip on those feelings, and yet they came up again just the same, but I do realize now, they're temporary.
That sounds like growth ♥️
I'm not sure about the body positive thing because the photos are SO incredible. Wow. How LUSH. You just put it on my list of places to go!
You need a vacation!!!
OMG. You're right! So wise. I'll start planning.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to St. Lucia through the lens of your pictures. How very lovely.
Thank you, Janice. I thought of you in writing this and remembered we visited Yellowstone around the same time last year.
And I always think of you when I see pictures of Glacier. It's a small world when a woman from California and one from Texas can be in the same place in Montana and know they were both there - almost in the same spot. What are the odds of that?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thank you! I was just at an outdoor, shared hot tub experience and kept noticing how chatty my mind was about my size and how my size compared to other sizes etc. etc. etc. Exhausting, although I still managed to have a nice time. Really enjoy your writing!
Wow! It's so powerful that you could separate your being from your "chatty" mind. That's a higher level of thinking I aspire to.
Thank you for reading!
Well written! You should have added the mud bath pic :)
Done!
HOLY CRAP this is beautiful! 😍
Yes! This place is so stunning.