Virtual Me

It’s an amazing world where I can shop online, even for clothing, and have that clothing delivered to my door days later.

It’s wintertime here in Colorado. Today was an unusually balmy day, in the low 60s. The area is expecting snow in the coming days. Winter isn’t the usual time of year most people think about purchasing a swimsuit. In fact, most women I know become fear-stricken at the thought of standing in a public department store dressing room, in harsh fluorescent lighting, facing three strategically angled mirrors, viewing their very own body with criticism and self-loathing, by squeezing into a swimsuit.

My exercise routine these days consists of traveling to the local recreation center’s pool, every other day, and being in the water to stretch, walk, and do what I can to create more flexibility in my body. My left foot continues to be swollen from November’s surgery, and the water actually helps my foot a lot. I also get to spend some time in the jetted hot tub, and that hot water helps my muscles relax a little. So a new swimsuit was in order, and alternating between the suits I have will help them all last longer.

I admit, shopping for a swimsuit for myself had been an activity reaching the excitement level of cleaning my cat’s litter box. That is, until I took the swimsuit I wanted to consider buying and “try it on” virtually. Most women in the U.S are hypercritical of their bodies, and maybe we women have made it “mean” something about having a physical body that isn’t like a supermodel. I do my best to love my body just as it is. I’m taking action to help my body feel and look better on a daily basis. Water aerobics is just one way to love myself. It's a nice, playful way for me to be in my body, too.

Although I think the Virtual Me is a little flattering, and I could point out each and every one of my physical flaws, the virtual drawing isn’t too far off from what I look like. I entered my “fit” profile information, including options of hair length and color, if I’m a “more mature” face, my skin color, and this is the most fun way to “try on ” a swimsuit that I ever had. I received the suit in the mail, and it fits great!

It wasn’t in the gene pool for me to have long model legs, or a long model torso. At 5 foot 0 inches, I am what I am, and I work with what I am, and where I want to go. Fitness and nutrition is a daily choice. Beliefs also are my daily choices. Fitness and beauty comes from the inside out, from a peaceful spirit, willing to grow, expand, and explore. And I can be happy in this very moment, as I am, because I know happiness is a conscious choice.