PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE June 2015 Big Sexy Summer Issue | Page 58
STEP
OUT
of your
comfort
zone
by Leyah Shanks
iamleyahshanks.com
bodyconfidencerevolution.tumblr.com
Swimsuit season. It should be a time of excitement and happiness. The sun’s glorious
return after months of stubborn hibernation should bring with it a burning to desire
to bound – Baywatch style – to the beach, sunglasses on head, bucket and spade
in hand, with an almost sadistically delirious grin on one’s face. Instead though, we
often feel much like the various crustaceans hiding under the rock pools; wanting
to bury away from the gaze and metaphorical jabs of others, scared and intimidated.
Of course, the ever present idea that one’s body has to be “ready” before being
deemed acceptable to set foot onto the sand doesn’t help. For far too many years,
we have been subliminally fed the idea that we must change ourselves before
feeling confident in our swimsuits. That things, like cellulite and stretch marks, are
not welcome because they’re not “aesthetically pleasing”. You know what I say to
that? Bollocks.