beach selfies

I went on a solo date to Lido Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida and of course, I captured beach selfies! I can be particular about “photo shoots,” so I looked around and found a secluded spot near the edge of the sand to avoid anyone appearing in the background of my pics. I didn’t pack a tripod or a clicker, so I propped up my phone against the arm of a bench, set the camera on selfie mode, and put on the ten-second timer. Yes, I was that person who pressed the camera button, quickly moved away from the phone, and held a pose — over and over and over again for about twenty to thirty minutes. 

There was a moment when a beautiful woman approached me and asked, “Hey, would you like me to take pics of you?” I smiled and said, “No, it’s okay. I will be here for a while but thank you so much!” Before she walked away, she had a genuine smile and used a hand motion to emphasize her compliment: “You — are — slaying.” I knew she meant it because of the slow pace between her words. 

I was humbled that a woman — a stranger — supported me, and I loved what she did when she returned to her beach towel. She dug into her bag, pulled out her phone, and started taking pictures of herself. Her girlfriend eventually did the same. By minding my own business and simply being me, I empowered women to capture their beauty. I love that. 

. . .

Later that day, I created an Instagram reel of my favorite pics and this is the caption I shared: 

Loving yourself and just being is a flex.

I’m made of:

• hella curves

• stretch marks

• scars

• strength

• weakness

• inflammation

• joint pain

• cellulite

• muscles

• fat

• bravery

• agency

• imperfection

• healing

• compassion

• power

and the list goes on.

I’m learning to love all of me as I grow and constantly change. It’s a process.

March 13th, 2023