Writing about my Naked Self

Three years ago when I turned 30, I tried to come up with something fun and creative to do ... I think I was successful. 30 is young, I know it (okay, maybe not to the 20-something's reading this), but already having noticed subtle changes in my body (some I was warned about and other's came as quite a surprise -- hello chin hair), I wanted to recognize my good health, and my girly curves, knowing each year that passed would bring changes. 30 was a milestone and what with all of the ideas behind "beauty" these days, I felt it appropriate to celebrate my curves. So ... I posed nude for a sketch.

And do you know what encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone? Coastal Woman Magazine ... that's right; the editor Barbara actually said "Ya, sounds interesting" to my wanting to write about this crazy idea experience of mine. So, not only did I go through with it, I wrote about it for Coastal Woman Magazine (feature article: Real Women Have Curves) and as if that wasn't scary and satisfying enough, when I emailed my article to Barbara I was SO nervous, hoping she would like it (every writer I think is scared to push the "send" button to their editor.) So when Barbara emailed me back, I didn't open the email for two days afraid of what it said, (My imagination said, "Uhhh... ya, I really don't think our readers are going to want to know about your Naked Self Melissa. Try again.) Instead, Barbara commented that she really liked it; I think her exact words were "This is good; this is really good." I got many positive, encouraging emails from women telling me about how the article encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone or how it reminded them of how fortunate they are to have a healthy body.

So when I recently got an email from Barbara explaining that Coastal Woman was closing shop because of the economic hurdles, well, it completely bummed me out and then I thought of all of the funny, informative and inspiring articles I've read through the years in CW and remembered how Coastal Woman helped me step out of my comfort zone and actually write about it.

So Barbara, when I think of Coastal Woman, I think of being naked (for 3 hours in a cold room, posed in the same position) ... and it makes me happy -- happy that I did something that stirred creative writing and my spirit. Thank you for being a big part of that experience for my 30th birthday.

Fans of CW -- What about you? How did the magazine encourage, inspire or motivate you? I would love to hear about it -- either post a comment on this blog or email me at melissa@spadefined.com