My newest theory is that a plus size bikini on the beach is FAR more acceptable than a plus sized bikini on the internet. You may ask why, and I can simply tell you that people are far nicer when they are right in front of you than when they are hiding behind a computer screen.

I recently posted the photo above on Instagram. You guys were awesome. My followers, my friends, and my family all showed so much love and support of me wearing a bikini and loving my big body. None of you cared that I showed off my big belly. None of you cared that the suit was not “flattering” on me.

Alternatively, Lane Bryant, who graciously gifted me the suit, re-posted my photo to their social media accounts. People on Twitter were pleasant, people on Instagram were almost all positive, but on Facebook, people were split. Whenever I looked at the post, I would see a new comment from a fellow plus sized woman commenting on how my body wasn’t good enough to be wearing what I was already wearing!

I was really beating myself up about it. I even told my husband I wasn’t sure if blogging was for me, but in the meantime, I was  out in this suit and having an AMAZING time on the beach with my friends. My friends and family love me, recognize that I am who I am, and am unapologetic for the things I love and believe in.

While I have a lot to say to speak to the haters, I don’t want to give them the time of day. I want to encourage you to step outside of the box. Wear something skin tight if you have an apple shape. Wear print on the bottom. Wear stripes on the top. Wear whatever you want, because those people that mind REALLY do not matter one bit.

Enjoy your day, rock your bikini, and be unapologetically you!