You know what summer means? It means shaving my legs on a regular basis, trying to find a decent self tanner that will turn my skin an even, perfect bronze and not the splotchy orange I end up with every year.  It means finding out how my naturally curly hair is going to react to the varying precipitation and humidity levels of the midwest. But right now, all it means to me is toning up the squishyness that has crept up on me over the last few months.

When I can use cute clothes to cover everything up I can pretend that the squishy doesn’t exist…or at least ignore the fact that I want to get the squishy under control before I get the Goose in swimming lessons and have to pop us both into swimsuits. I’d like to see my arms a little tighter, my thighs a little more narrow and less independently mobile when I walk. And okay, while I’m at it I wanna see tighter abs, a lifted butt and slimmer calves, perfect skin, hair that doesn’t react to changes in weather or pool water and maybe, just because we’re on a roll, add a couple of inches to my 5′ 7″ frame – preferably lengthening my legs.

That’s not too much to ask, is it?

I’m going to be honest with you about something: A couple of weeks ago I ordered two bathing suits from the Victoria’s Secret catalog.  One two piece (the top with push-up, thank you very much 13 months of nursing) and a tankini for my “mom time” at the pool (also with push-up).  They arrived in the mail today. After a full lunch at PF Changs I decided it was a good time to try on swimwear.  I fully expected to NOT LIKE the way I looked.  I knew that I would see the squishy pushing against the various ties and seams.

But, to my surprise, I looked alright.  What’s the point, you ask? Well, I’m not tooting my own horn, that’s for sure.  I am just surprised that my body taught my mind a very important lesson: EASE UP.  I realize that it is not uncommon that I find myself unsatisfied with my appearance but don’t take the time to realize that my unease resides solely in my head, not on my hips.  So I’m going to make a conscious effort to be nicer to myself.  I’m pretty easy to pick on, but I’m gonna do my best!

What about you…should YOU give your body a break too? Think about it…