Women In Nude Recreation
This Is My Story
Baring It All: My Journey Into Nudism
As a child, I learned early that being naked was bad. People were supposed to wear clothes. I internalized everything. So when I learned that being naked was bad, I decided that halter tops, bikinis, tube tops, and sleeveless shirts were also bad. I was teased a lot by my family about my weight. I wasn't fat, but compared to my brother and sister I was. I wore R sizes, for regular. They wore S sizes, for slim. They would tease that I needed "pretty plus" or "chubby sizes". I didn't. I became very modest. As I got older and participated in sports, I was less modest, but still thought I was fat. I didn't like my body.
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As an adult, I hated my body. I was more comfortable naked and lost the clothes for typical reasons--cleaning the bathroom (I don't know why anyone would wear clothes to clean the shower), sex, sleeping, and even skinny-dipping occasionally with friends. While I was more comfortable naked, I still struggled with accepting my body. Like many women, I hated the way I looked.
I met my husband at age 33. He was the first person I met who loved my body just the way it was. He didn't want me to lose weight or be a perfect size 10. He thought I was hot and sexy just the way I was and I am so grateful to him for that. I still hated my body but I knew that he didn't.
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by Jackie
After we got married, we tried unsuccessfully to have children. It was hard on my body and I gained a lot of weight. I had multiple miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and a failed adoption. I continued to gain weight. My husband still loved my body and told me so often, but when I looked in the mirror, I saw an overweight unattractive person.
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My husband became more religious over the years and as a result, expected me to be modest (which I was) and obedient, which I struggled with. We argued often about it, and I decided to prove a point to him by walking around our home naked. I apologized for that later, because it wasn't the best way to prove a point, but I am not sorry for what happened as a result. Taking off my clothes and walking around naked was life changing. The first day or two it was sort of odd. I was still in the "I'm proving a point" phase, but by the third day it was natural. The funny thing was that I wasn't as angry at my husband anymore. I didn't remember our argument. I only knew that I wanted to keep being nude. I didn't know why, just that it felt good. I didn't feel so angry. I didn't have this self-loathing of my body anymore, which had been there most of my life.
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I went online and started researching topics like nudity and body acceptance. I stumbled upon the WINR website and I read it multiple times, absorbing the stories of women who also found body acceptance and peace through taking off their clothes. I reached out to Andee at WINR and she emailed me back, encouraging me and pointing me to various resources, including Naturist Hub, a social media site for nudists. I joined and found an amazing community of people. I have made deep, long-lasting friendships there.
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I live in a state that is not nude friendly. The closest nudist resort is 200 miles away in another state. On Naturist Hub I found a couple who lives 3 miles from me, and we have been able to get to know each other and visit each other semi-regularly, depending on our work schedules. I also have an amazing group of women that I call and text regularly. They have helped me through an incredibly difficult time in my life. I am so grateful to them! It's true, that when you are not hiding behind your clothes, relationships form quickly and deeply.
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Unfortunately my husband does not share this with me. He asked me about a week into it if I was a nudist now. I told him yes, he grunted, and that was that. He is not supportive of me at all. I have chosen not to share all of my activities with him. Our relationship is complicated, and at this point we are mostly living separate lives. His belief system is not able to separate sex and nudity. It took him almost 6 months to be able to look me in the eye. He insists that when we eat together I wear clothes, which I do out of respect. He doesn't want any of part of nudism, and doesn't want me involved either. I'm not willing to give up something that makes me this happy and has had such a positive influence on my life.
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I am not embarrassed or ashamed of being a nudist. I talk about it with my friends. Most of them are envious of the self-confidence it takes to walk around without clothes. Many of them would like to have that confidence, but just can't take that first step. To them I say, go for it!
You never know until you try!
by Brenda
My Unexpected
Journey to Naturism
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Id be writing about how I started my Naturist journey!
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A short background and you will quickly understand that statement. I am 55 years old and have lived my whole life, starting with my childhood, extremely conservative and modest. I don't remember ever seeing my parents or sister naked. When I started dating my ex-husband at 15, my body became an 'opportunity' for his 'jokes', which I dealt with throughout the 35-year marriage. All of that combined, led me to a life of hiding myself, both emotionally AND physically. Never in the 35-year marriage did my ex ever see me fully naked outside of a couple of hospital stays. Any 'intimacy' was done under covers in a completely dark room. Anytime I changed or showered there were at least 2 locked doors, sometimes 3, between me and ANYone else...including him.
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And THEN, I met the love of my life. The man who is safe for me in every way, mentally, emotionally and physically. After years of extreme gentle patience with me, I slowly started to rest in the safety of his love. I knew naturism was something he had experienced some at different beaches and that he desired to experience it in other areas of his life. While I was 100% supportive of him, I didn't think I 'could' ever get there. I thought I'd be the girl in the swimsuit at the clothing optional places while he was au natural. I also knew he would be supportive in that decision and loved me no matter what I decided.
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Fast forward a little and I quickly found myself not only being 'ok' living life naked at home and in our backyard but longing to experience the freedom in other places as well.
I'm certainly new to this, as I have only been to a nude lake park twice so far, but I can tell you, it has been such a transformational experience for me. I simply can't wait for my next opportunity.
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It's not about my body. There will always be parts of my body I wish I could change, and honestly other parts I could change if I put in the work. But, if/when I do, it will be for me. It will not be to 'feel more comfortable' in the naturist events and locations. Naturism to me is a place to be safe and free in your 'right now'. To experience life in its fullest, without judgement or self-consciousness.
So, if you are on the fence about this lifestyle. Let me encourage you to focus on those you love. Focus on the new friendships that are waiting for you. Focus on the nature around you. You may be amazed how much freedom you experience when you do.
As for me, I plan to wholly embrace this beautiful lifestyle in every way possible. I've wasted enough time trying to just live through the days of my life. It's time to put LIFE into all of the years I have left.
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I hope to see you out there soon, in whatever state of dress you are comfortable in!