Women in Naturism: My Story – Heather

Growing up, I hated the way I looked. Like so many other girls, I always felt I had to try harder to fit in, whilst somehow making myself invisible enough to avoid the inevitable beauty bitches who seemed to make themselves feel better by making everyone else feel miserable. There was always someone prettier, slimmer, more fashionable or more confident. I never seemed to have the right figure, the right hair or that perfect magazine look. Whatever I did, I never felt quite good enough.

I tried everything. Fad diets, exercise classes, starving myself, the latest make-up trends and whatever fashions were supposed to make me look better. At one point, I was working two jobs just to afford the clothes, shoes and accessories I thought I needed to fit in. Looking back, it’s quite sad really. I was working myself into the ground and spending money I could barely afford, all because I wanted other people to think I was good enough. And the worst part? I still wasn’t happy with myself.

As I got older, and after a few experiences with men who really weren’t good for my confidence, I met someone who became my closest friend. She’s one of those people who makes you laugh, accepts you exactly as you are and somehow makes life feel a little less complicated.

During the lovely hot summer last year, we were walking along the beach at Prestatyn when we stumbled across a quieter stretch where a few people were completely naked. We kept our distance, walked past and had a little giggle about it. Not in a nasty way, just because neither of us had really seen anything like it before. But we kept talking about it afterwards. They all seemed so relaxed and completely unbothered about what anyone thought of their bodies.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of us. We found ourselves a quiet little spot, took our clothes off and went for a skinny dip in the sea. I can’t tell you how strange and wonderful that first feeling was. There was a little nervous laughter, of course, but once we were in the water it just felt so natural. Afterwards, we lay in our secluded spot enjoying the sunshine, without worrying about swimming costumes, how our bodies looked or whether we were showing too much of something.

For the first time in a very long time, I wasn’t thinking about what was wrong with my body. I was just enjoying being me.

A few days later, I found myself Googling naturism and discovered Naturism Wales. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but everyone I’ve spoken to has been so lovely, welcoming and supportive. Nobody has made me feel judged or that I need to look a certain way to belong.

I’ve not actually attended an organised Naturism Wales event yet, although I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone. I’m still finding my feet, but I’m excited about becoming part of a community where people seem to value friendship, kindness and acceptance rather than appearances.

I spent so many years trying to change myself to please other people. It’s taken me a long time to realise that perhaps my body was never the problem in the first place.

I’m Heather, I’m discovering naturism, and I’m finally learning that it’s OK to be me.

Thank you, Naturism Wales, for helping me feel that I belong.