I have recently adopted the above hashtag particularly when posting my gym exploits on my socials.

When I had my boudoir shoot done last year to celebrate my 50th birthday, I was feeling very anxious about seeing the results when I went to collect my photos. Sitting with Martin, my fiancé, in the studio as the pictures were revealed, I began to sob uncontrollably, such was the intensity of my emotions at seeing myself. I asked him, “Where’s that strong, beautiful woman?” And his answer blew me away. He stated, “She’s been sat beside me all along.”

I recently saw a T-shirt online with the slogan ‘strong and beautiful’. I had to have it! But when I checked, my size was sold out. I knew going larger I would be absolutely swamped, so in faith that my weight is on a downward trend, I ordered a size smaller. As soon as I unpacked it I could see it was very generously cut and would fit me now. It felt like it was destined for me.

In the same way I claimed back the bikini last year, recently I have embraced the crop top for working out in the gym. It has taken me a few weeks of regular attendance to build up my confidence, but this week, and especially after a conversation with one of the female fitness instructors, I ventured out with my chubby midriff on display. Frankly, it was just more comfortable when exercising not having a vest or T-shirt over the top. I was greeted by the same instructor, grinning from ear to ear as she congratulated me for overcoming my fears.

I was a little self conscious, did check a few times that my wayward boobs were not trying to escape out the bottom of my top, but all was well and as predicted, no one else seemed to be batting an eyelid. As I take steps like these I feel I’m claiming back my body from the bullies and critics I’ve encountered during the years. Genuinely if people have an opinion about my appearance, they can take that opinion and stick it where the sun don’t shine. Because my body is my business and from my point of view, this body is both strong and beautiful.