Free to be me

“I hate wearing shorts out in public due to my thick thighs and the deep purple varicose veins that have crept up over the years, but I do wear them for comfort in the privacy of my home.

“One hot day, I dashed out to get the mail, but swallowed hard as a woman about my age approached walking her dog across the street. She slowed and widened her eyes at my attire. Inside, I cringed…I was in my denim shorts while she was in slacks. My flaws felt as obvious as a neon sign.

“‘I love your shorts,’ she yelled. ‘I need to wear mine more often. You’ve inspired me!’

“Just then, my blinders fell away and I saw myself as she did…real, comfortable, with nothing to hide and everything to be proud of. I suddenly stood a little taller and wasn’t in such a hurry to rush back into hiding.

“‘Have a great day!’ she said as her dog pulled her forward.

“I nodded feeling wonderfully renewed. ‘I already am,’ I beamed, loving the feel of the new and fabulous me!”