Why I Like Being Naked In Public

Disclaimer: There are images containing nudity in this post. If that isn't for you please leave now. And remember, bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so no mean comments about the individuals in these photos.

Throughout my life I have struggled with body image issues. Most people (yes, women AND men) have had issues with their bodies at some point in their lives. I'm too big, I'm too small, too dark, too light, I have a funny birth mark on my butt that kind of looks like PEI. One boob is bigger than the other. I have belly rolls when I sit down. Cellulite. Jiggly parts. I should look like the women in magazines and on billboards and movies. If I hate my body how can anyone else love it?

Most of us have had at least one of the above thoughts at some point. And like a lot of others, I succumbed to the pressure and had my own struggles with anorexia. Thankfully, mine never got to a dangerous point but it was still really difficult to deal with. For those wondering, I am ok now. It has been years since I recovered from my eating disorder and I have no plans of ever turning back to it.

During the strongest moments of struggling with my body image I also did something very uncharacteristic of someone with body image issues, I got naked in public and had photos taken. It was at first something that I did as a big "F U" to all of the pressure I felt to be perfect. It then slowly molded into a way of expressing myself and being comfortable in my own skin. And who knew, I ended up liking my body the more and more I did it. Now to clarify, it wasn't about sex. It was about becoming ok with my own body and showing others that it's ok to not be perfect. You don't have to be skinny like a runway model to be beautiful.

Photographer: Doug Winsor

 

Photography:

I don't do much with nude photography anymore and have felt the need to be nude still. So when I heard about the World Naked Bike Ride I thought why not? The purpose of the Naked Bike Ride is to show people exactly how vulnerable cyclists are on the roads. And to get some fun reactions :P Surprisingly, Matt came with me and we had an absolute blast. We ended up keeping our bottoms on but decided about half way through the ride that we would do this again next year and go completely in the buff! Here are some photos of the ride.

Both of us about to start the ride.

A FB appropriate selfie.

Body painted and ready to roll.

My sexy hubby all ready.

The group heading down Robie.

At the end of the ride Matt and I felt like we were on cloud nine. It was so liberating. No joke, it felt 110% natural to be naked. There was nothing sexual about the event. Just a bunch of people enjoying the feeling of being in their own skin and having an awesome bike ride.

Here is the route we did if you are interested.

The next day we felt adventurous again and decided to go to our local clothing optional beach, Crystal Crescent. We did find that people there were very friendly but we had no problems and have been back a few times since.

Everyone should try taking their clothes off for a little bit outside of regular daily activities (showering, dressing, etc). Even if it's just around your bedroom or your home. It is a liberating experience and it will help you become more comfortable in your own skin. You are beautiful. You are perfect the way you are, cellulite and all.