Ma'am, if I can hike the mountain, climb the stairs, survive airline seating, and successfully open a jar of pickles, I refuse to let a malfunctioning hotel robe become my villain origin story.
Somewhere along the way we were convinced our bodies were projects to manage instead of companions for the journey. Meanwhile our bodies were busy carrying us to waterfalls, sunsets, road trips, first kisses, last goodbyes, and every beautiful thing in between.
If the robe doesn't fit, perhaps the robe should spend some time reflecting on its choices.
Beautiful piece, Kristi. Thank you for the reminder that our worth is not measured in inches of fabric but in the lives we get to live inside these wonderfully imperfect bodies.
Kristi, what a wonderful essay! Midlife you does have her priorities straight and it’s wonderful to see! I am so glad you see all that your body allows you to experience and that is becoming the lead story among all the other ‘stories’ about women’s bodies society tries to force on us. Loved this & I am with you at 66, with bodylove unlike anything I’ve experienced before; it’s been a long road but I am elated to let go of other people’s stories of how my body should be (and yes! Cursed hotel robe!): “Despite the external madness, I’ve never been so zen about my fitness.
It’s not good or bad. All or nothing. Fit or not fit. I’ve finally gotten to a place of understanding, that fitness exists on a spectrum, and I’m not deficient or somehow failing at life when I’m “less fit.” I’m also not in some desperately mad scramble to get back to some crazy ideal, which let’s be real, was never and will never be, attainable.”
This makes me so so happy to hear, Amy. It also gives me hope that this keeps going. I hope that I'm as full of body love at 66 as you are now. Thank you for sharing and for being here.
Just came across you via Midstack. And as soon as I saw the picture of the robe I was nodding! I'm 6ft 2 and curvy. Most of the towels they provide don't even wrap around me. It seems like such a simple thing. Smaller people will fit in larger robes so make the one size they offer larger (and correctly sized!) and it will be inclusive. I've started a little mantra for myself "don't shrink the frame, grow into it"! So just wanted to say that I love your writing, your travels look amazing (amen to the waterfalls!) and your body is beautiful.
Yes, OMG, yes! I haven't even gotten started on towels. I think we could all do with a mantra. I love that you've given yourself permission to exist just as you are.
Not what you intended, but I keep thinking about your waterfall comment. I 100% relate to your husband’s desire to be one with the waterfall, and your more detached experience indicates it’s not your thing (but you’re a tolerant and nice spouse). Which made me wonder: What is your equivalent of a waterfall?
I love that you're asking this question, Joy! What do you like about being one with the waterfall? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I suspect it's maybe because it makes you feel alive, like, really alive. The sheer physical power of moving water is incredible. I like waterfalls, but I've read enough warnings about tumbling rocks to be weary of getting underneath them. I think that's what stops my full enjoyment. I think my equivalent is being among aspens, especially when they're shimmering in the wind. It's grounding. It almost feels like an electric current running through me.
It drives me crazy the whole sizing thing. It’s as if one has to actually remember that just cos it says XL and doesn’t fit doesn’t mean that I am the problem!!! The older I get the more I mutter “fuck em” under my breathe in situations like this 😂 and move onto the fun stuff … like hiking 😊
100% agree. There are way bigger issues. This is a problem that comes from incredible privilege. And yet, it's also one of many small reminders that comfort and belonging are often only reserved for those who align to a very narrow mold.
"You do not fit in this space."
Ma'am, if I can hike the mountain, climb the stairs, survive airline seating, and successfully open a jar of pickles, I refuse to let a malfunctioning hotel robe become my villain origin story.
Somewhere along the way we were convinced our bodies were projects to manage instead of companions for the journey. Meanwhile our bodies were busy carrying us to waterfalls, sunsets, road trips, first kisses, last goodbyes, and every beautiful thing in between.
If the robe doesn't fit, perhaps the robe should spend some time reflecting on its choices.
Beautiful piece, Kristi. Thank you for the reminder that our worth is not measured in inches of fabric but in the lives we get to live inside these wonderfully imperfect bodies.
Desaree, this is possibly the most beautifully written (and funny!) comment anyone has ever left me. You really put it into perspective!
“Our worth is not measured in inches of fabric but in the lives we get to live inside these wonderfully imperfect bodies.”
I enjoyed this so much Kristi! It was soft and powerful. Thank you
Awww, thank you, Kyra 🙏.
Thank you for this
You're welcome
Kristi, what a wonderful essay! Midlife you does have her priorities straight and it’s wonderful to see! I am so glad you see all that your body allows you to experience and that is becoming the lead story among all the other ‘stories’ about women’s bodies society tries to force on us. Loved this & I am with you at 66, with bodylove unlike anything I’ve experienced before; it’s been a long road but I am elated to let go of other people’s stories of how my body should be (and yes! Cursed hotel robe!): “Despite the external madness, I’ve never been so zen about my fitness.
It’s not good or bad. All or nothing. Fit or not fit. I’ve finally gotten to a place of understanding, that fitness exists on a spectrum, and I’m not deficient or somehow failing at life when I’m “less fit.” I’m also not in some desperately mad scramble to get back to some crazy ideal, which let’s be real, was never and will never be, attainable.”
This makes me so so happy to hear, Amy. It also gives me hope that this keeps going. I hope that I'm as full of body love at 66 as you are now. Thank you for sharing and for being here.
OKAY. Are you still in the Catskills? I live in the Hudson Valley. If you're still here, let me know, Kristi? xo
Aww, Nan. I wish I was so I could meet you. Definitely will next time, and I’m certain there will be a next time!
A perfect example of holding the bitter and the sweet at the same time. Gorgeous photos btw. Glad you got to have the experience.
Thank you, Leslie 🙏
Kristi, you are a beautiful writer!
Annette, thank you for the kind words and thank you for being here.
Just came across you via Midstack. And as soon as I saw the picture of the robe I was nodding! I'm 6ft 2 and curvy. Most of the towels they provide don't even wrap around me. It seems like such a simple thing. Smaller people will fit in larger robes so make the one size they offer larger (and correctly sized!) and it will be inclusive. I've started a little mantra for myself "don't shrink the frame, grow into it"! So just wanted to say that I love your writing, your travels look amazing (amen to the waterfalls!) and your body is beautiful.
Yes, OMG, yes! I haven't even gotten started on towels. I think we could all do with a mantra. I love that you've given yourself permission to exist just as you are.
Thank you for the kind words.
Not what you intended, but I keep thinking about your waterfall comment. I 100% relate to your husband’s desire to be one with the waterfall, and your more detached experience indicates it’s not your thing (but you’re a tolerant and nice spouse). Which made me wonder: What is your equivalent of a waterfall?
I love that you're asking this question, Joy! What do you like about being one with the waterfall? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I suspect it's maybe because it makes you feel alive, like, really alive. The sheer physical power of moving water is incredible. I like waterfalls, but I've read enough warnings about tumbling rocks to be weary of getting underneath them. I think that's what stops my full enjoyment. I think my equivalent is being among aspens, especially when they're shimmering in the wind. It's grounding. It almost feels like an electric current running through me.
F those hotel robes! Definitely the hotel's problem, not yours. Your vacation looks beautiful, and I love your perspective on it!
You always say the right thing! Thank you!
It drives me crazy the whole sizing thing. It’s as if one has to actually remember that just cos it says XL and doesn’t fit doesn’t mean that I am the problem!!! The older I get the more I mutter “fuck em” under my breathe in situations like this 😂 and move onto the fun stuff … like hiking 😊
That's the right attitude, Sarah! But, dang it, if we could have just gotten there sooner!
I'm really hopeful my daughters do a better job of ignoring the nonsense.
I have two; 28 and 30 and they manage all this stuff way way better than I ever did ! X
We've done our work when they're handling it better than we did!
Yes .. I’m going to take that in! X
First world problem
100% agree. There are way bigger issues. This is a problem that comes from incredible privilege. And yet, it's also one of many small reminders that comfort and belonging are often only reserved for those who align to a very narrow mold.