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On Body Image

July 7, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC34 Comments

Here in DC, my favorite morning radio show is without a doubt Sarah, Ty & Mel on 107.3. So when I heard that Sarah Fraser was going to be hanging out in a bikini in Dupont Circle to emphasize loving your body, I was curious and wanted to know more. Read on to learn more about Sarah (who is awesome and has a fantastic blog you can find here, by the way) below. 

 

on body image

  • Tell us a little bit about yourself.
    • I’m a radio and TV personality here in the DC area. I happen to love life and I’m always looking for ways to live my life anything goes in order to entertain and inspire others. I’m also a proud aunt of 5 nieces and nephews in Maine and have a great family up there.
  • How long have you been blogging?
    • I’ve been blogging for about six years now. LOVE blogging…so empowering to put it all out there.
  • What made you decide to finally buy a bikini and wear it in public?
    • The bikini had a hold on me for so many years. My worth was based on if I could get into and look hot in a bikini. It was insane. Every spring I would buy books and magazines with the bikini ready diet tips for summer and every year I would fail. I would never lose weight or be comfortable in my own skin, so instead I hid my body. Under layers of shirts, all black swimsuits, and I would avoid the beach. I also never believed a good man would love me unless I was thin, looked great in a bikini, and was sexy. The bikini had a lot of power over me.
  • What were you most nervous about?
    • I was most nervous when Fox 5 said they were sending someone down to cover the story. Everything was cool about being in public in a bikini but on TV! WOW. That was another level.
  • Tell me about that morning – what exactly did you do when you got to Dupont Circle?
    • The morning in Dupont was incredible calm and wonderful. I think I’ve been building up to that day for a long time so I’m finally at a place where I love myself just the way I am. I LOVE my body…all of it. So when I got to Dupont I took my cover up off in the first 20 seconds and felt great.
  • How were you received?
    • Great! The response was amazing. About 30 people gathered and wanted to know what I was doing…everyone was supportive, loving, and talked about their own body image issues.
  • Did you notice a difference in how men and women received you?
    • It was interesting how many men shared their body image issues. That is what surprised me. Being a woman, I knew the women could understand but when the men came up and opened up I was blown away.
  • As the morning went on, how did you feel?
    • Amazing. Just the support and being in the moment. I was so aware and just giving myself a moment to appreciate how far I’d come. That was powerful. I kept getting more and more comfortable so when Fox 5 started rolling the camera I was truly present.
  • Now that you’ve had some time to process, what do you think you learned from that morning?
    • I LOVED it! I want to do it again. With all of you joining me. I’m thinking of doing one end of August on the National Mall. So many people have come forward since I wore the bikini with their own stories about body image struggle…that’s what I’m all about. We can do it together. I want to have 200 people on the National Mall in swimwear LOVING their bodies.
  • What advice would you give to someone who is experiencing body issues?
    • Start a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is the practice of being present, acceptance, love, and kindness. When you begin to treat yourself with love and kindness amazing things happen. You no longer care as much about being criticized or what people think. This takes time so be patient. We have great resources in the DC and a lot of them are free. Check out the Meditation Insight Community of DC. They do some amazing work.
  • Anything else you’d like to add?
    • Thank you for covering this story…I really believe that as a society we are on the cusp of getting away from photo shopped unrealistic bodies to a place of celebrating the real.

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Wow. I am so inspired by hearing Sarah’s story. Body image issues are real and I think it’s fantastic that Sarah is using her platform to bring some light to issues that so many of us can relate to. I think we can all relate to the same struggles Sarah discussed and to be honest, I can’t imagine standing in Dupont Circle on a regular morning wearing just a bikini. You can follow Sarah on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and of course over at her blog. 

So, would you ever pull a Sarah? Do you wear bikinis? I might when she does it again – and I’ve worn bikinis (for better or worse) for years!


Comments

  1. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    July 7, 2015 at 7:06 am

    I wrote a post about this a few years ago, and yes posted a picture of my 50-something self wearing a bikini. Even though I’m thin, I’ve always been self conscious about my mid-section. I do wear my bikini on occasion, and am slowly getting more comfortable in it. Finally.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Street credMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 11:33 am

      I wear mine with pride! Even though I’m a work in progress – who isn’t?

      Reply
  2. Chaitali says

    July 7, 2015 at 9:44 am

    It’s so funny, I am planning a post for later this week about body issues and “bikini bodies.” I love that she talks about mindfulness and treating yourself with love and kindness. I’m glad this ended up being a positive experience for her.
    Chaitali recently posted…Weekly UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 11:32 am

      That is funny – looking forward to your post 🙂

      Reply
  3. Angie @ Pace with Grace Blog says

    July 7, 2015 at 9:52 am

    I give her a lot of credit and what an important message to send- body acceptance!! You’re so right, body images issues are REAL and often get in the way of women (and men) truly accepting and loving themselves. I have worked really hard to get to a place where I accept my body for not just what it is but what is DOES (and still struggle at times). This has been a game changer for me and as a therapist working with individuals with eating disorders, this is a message I also try to pass along to my clients. Its a process and something to be continuously fostered. Thanks so much for sharing this positive message!!
    Angie @ Pace with Grace Blog recently posted…Fourth of July Weekend RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 11:31 am

      I love how you put it – accepting your body for what it does! Well said!

      Reply
  4. Hollie says

    July 7, 2015 at 11:02 am

    What a great post. I think it’s important for anyone to have self acceptance with their bodies. It’s great to see woman of all sizes standing up and talking about this. Thanks for sharing!
    Hollie recently posted…Firecracker 5k (19:15)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 11:32 am

      Yeah, I was really impressed to read Sarah’s story – I think it’s SO important!

      Reply
  5. Nicole says

    July 7, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Body shaming such a difficult thing to overcome. We all have things that we are insecure about. I think one of the most difficult things for me is that because I am thinner, people don’t recognize me as someone who struggles with weight, but I really have to watch what I eat and I do workout to help manage. When people just shove the last fried cheese stick in my face “because I can afford it,” it takes away from the hard work that I do. I know I don’t struggle like some people, but I shouldn’t feel bad for keeping my body fit either.

    I think it’s great to just own your body shape and let others own their own shape. No one should feel bad for being themselves because we all beat ourselves up enough.
    Nicole recently posted…Gaining Back My IndependenceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 11:34 am

      That’s a great point – everyone has things they struggle with!

      Reply
  6. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    July 7, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    Fun story! Sarah sounds like a great lady inside and out. I do wear a bikini but since having kids I don’t feel the same in it. I’ve worked really hard to appreciate my body and admire it for all that it has allowed me to accomplish physically. I still feel insecure in my bikini. I will join you if she does it again!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Hawaiian Pineapple Acai Bowl-Meatless MondayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      YES! Let’s do it!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    July 7, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    This is such a great story, Courtney! I love that she chose to do this because of “the power” that the bikini “held over” her – wow! I definitely have body image issues, but they’ve gotten much less significant as I have aged; I think I’m just too old to care about that crap anymore – ha! I definitely wear bikinis, too; we work hard, we should enjoy it! Thanks so much for sharing this!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      haha, I’m kind of over caring about it anymore as well 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    July 7, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    Oh gosh, I think that would be one of my biggest fears!! I love Sarah on her radio show. This is very cool. Wish I had the guys to do what she did! And it’s ridiculous that I don’t. I have given birth to two children, a marathon runner and probably the fittest I’ve ever been, and I still don’t think I can do it. It’s sad, isn’t it?

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      If she does it again, let’s join her! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    July 7, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    Kudos to Sarah for facing her fears & getting the conversation started. I’m surprised so many men empathized with her! I wore a bikini for the first time in my life after I got to my goal weight 4 years ago. I remember being both nervous & excited. In the end, it was no big deal!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 7, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      That’s awesome Jennifer! Love to hear that!

      Reply
  10. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    July 7, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    Wow. Such an awesome way to bring attention to loving our bodies. Something I must admit is an up and down roller coaster for me.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Mizuno Takes Atlanta: My Weekend ExperienceMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Jill says

    July 7, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    i live in Baltimore and have been listening to Sarah for years! I love her and I’m so glad she finally got to this place!
    Jill recently posted…Celebrating the 4th with Baseball, Babies and Running!My Profile

    Reply
  12. Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says

    July 7, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Great interview thanks for sharing it.
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…My Top Recommended Tech WearablesMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Emily says

    July 7, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    Hmm… I probably wouldn’t ever wear a bikini, but not for the same reasons as Sarah. I do think that the pressure to ‘have a bikini body’ or ‘look perfect’ is silly, but it definitely has a STRONG pull on so many girls, especially young girls today.
    Emily recently posted…#1Millionminutes Mad LibMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Victoria at Ice Packs + Races says

    July 8, 2015 at 10:34 am

    What a great message! If I had a dollar for every time I was bombarded with messages stressing flat stomachs + “how to get a bikini ready body”…I’d be rich! Aren’t all bodies bikini ready bodies?! Throw one on! But no matter how strongly I believe that, I always fight the little voice that says I don’t look good. We’ve got to learn to love our bodies despite the nagging, negative voice in our heads too 🙂
    Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Training Recap: NAVAF Half, Week #1My Profile

    Reply
  15. jen says

    July 8, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Great post! Sarah is so inspiring! I love finding new ladies that are confident in their body!
    jen recently posted…ZOODLES W/AVOCADO, PEACHES & WHITE BEANSMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! says

    July 8, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I hadn’t been a bikini wearer and started to wear one when I lost weight. I still feel rather uncomfortable in it – this is a great interview and interesting to read the link about her experience!
    Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…Triathlon Training in a Busy Work WeekMy Profile

    Reply
  17. karen - Fit in France says

    July 9, 2015 at 12:38 am

    I am very self conscious of my mid section… that is where the weight goes. I am not a bikini person and never have been though everyone in France wears them and no one cares what you look like. Except ourselves of course ! Great post, thanks!
    karen – Fit in France recently posted…LLBean 10K Fourth of July RaceMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Jenn says

    July 10, 2015 at 10:18 am

    I love this interview! I also love Sarah. I never wore a bikini growing up because I was too big. When I lost weight the first time (and was the same size I was in high school), I bought my first one. I have since gained weight back and when I was shopping this year, my friend suggested I try a variety of styles despite me wanting to do a one piece. The bikini actually looked and felt the best! It was a good reminder that I shouldn’t discredit styles because I’m not as fit as I want to be.
    Jenn recently posted…Weekly Recap 6/29-7/5My Profile

    Reply
  19. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    July 13, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Love this! I’m very inspired by Sarah…. I’ve never owned a bikini….there are some incredible ones out there though. Maybe soon I’ll get the confidence to rock it!
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…7 Fiery and Fresh Summertime SalsasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 13, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Yes!! Do it, Kate!!

      Reply
  20. Coco says

    July 13, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    I love the idea of a bikini gathering on the Mall. It would be a great way to kick of next summer, showing the world that we all ALREADY are bikini ready!
    Coco recently posted…See Something Say SomethingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 13, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Yes! I love that!

      Reply
  21. Kelsey says

    July 15, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    What an awesome story! I’d love to hear about an August event!
    Kelsey recently posted…WIAW 7.15.15My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 15, 2015 at 10:31 pm

      I will definitely post about it once I hear word!

      Reply
  22. Chloe says

    July 21, 2015 at 4:48 am

    If you’ve got a body and a bikini, you’ve got a bikini body 🙂 I’ll hi-five anyone promoting body love 🙂

    Good on you Sarah!

    Reply

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