Bikini Union Hall
Approximate average reading time is 5 minutes.
Recently, Beverly asked me to archive articles that she wrote years ago for a blog. One was the “Bikini Union Hall” first published in May 2013. The title alone intrigued me. After reading through it, I thought others would get as much enjoyment from it as I did and appreciate the wisdom that Beverly brings to every interaction. It’s about self-reflection and self-awareness. It’s about loving the people that we are at each stage of life’s journey. With Beverly’s permission, I offer to you a slightly edited version of her “Bikini Union Hall.”
Years ago — no wait, scratch that, decades ago I always made an annual trip to the Bikini Union Hall for that year’s swimsuit. It was a little game I played in my mind while I shopped, imagining a place, this union hall, where all the bikinis gathered. They hung out together discussing the merits of the season, who might pick them, and the beaches or pools they might visit and be seen at. Most importantly, they talked a lot about who would be picked for what job. You know, like who would be the best for showing off a tan, who would be the best for walking along the shoreline, who would be best for getting noticed, and, of course, who would be the top seller.
When I first started to shop at the union hall it was located on the corner of Here and Now. Really easy to find. Straight down This Is What I Want Street and make the first left. There it stood. Very welcoming and stocked full of bikinis just waiting to see if I would pick them.
Years later, after the birth of my first child, I was surprised to find the union hall had moved to the corners of Once Upon a Time and Living in The Past. Still, it was fun to drive over in happy anticipation. And that’s where the fun stopped. Upon entering the union hall, I was surprised to see the bikinis were not so friendly. Gone were the welcoming hugs, and everyone wanting me to pick them. There was great hesitation by some as to whether they should even say hello. Oh well, no bother. There were still a few that wanted to take on the job of being this season’s pick for fun in the sun.
Fast forward a few more years. I had stopped driving over to the Bikini Union Hall. After having two children (and several desserts), it just didn’t seem like the place to go. I remembered the last visit and felt sure the welcome would be even more standoffish. “What the heck,” I thought, “it might be fun just to visit and browse.” It’s not like I would pick one out -- just being with the gang might be fun.
It turned out the union hall had relocated once again. How did they expect women to find bikinis if they kept moving? The union hall was now listed as being on the corner of Are You for Real and Oh My God Get Over Yourself. That seemed odd. I had never even heard of those streets. Nevertheless, I diligently followed the directions, driving down Really? Street and making a turn at Fantasy Lane.
As I parked the car, I hesitated. What was I doing? Was I trying to re-capture some part of me that existed in days gone by? Was I trying to prove I could still shop at the Bikini Union Hall? Did it bother me that the bikinis no longer welcomed me as they once did? Lots of questions bounced around in my mind.
And then it hit me. I was in the wrong place. I should have seen it while driving down Fantasy Lane, but my head was so filled with memories of the good old days at the Bikini Union Hall. You see I should have turned to the streets of Wellness and Healthy—that part of town lined with tiny shops aimed at improving my health and my life. Wonderful places to help clear my mind and make me feel great every day of the year.
I refocused my intentions and headed that way instead. I found myself on Wellness and knew this was where I belonged. For me, and a lot of people walking along Wellness Street, it is about maintaining a high quality of life, living with vitality and with agility. The focus is on health and aging naturally; not having to take medications; being pain free; sleeping restfully; thinking clearly.
As I walked down Healthy, I breathed a deep sigh of peace. Yes! The shops were full of ideas, hints, and tips for living a full healthy life. I could find everything I needed to make all my favorite activities, hiking, swimming, walking, exercising, more enjoyable. I even found the perfect one-piece, perfect for me. Having a bikini-friendly body might be a nice side bonus but not the goal.
So that’s my story. There were years of shopping at the Bikini Union Hall, but frankly, those days are gone. They were fun, and I remember them fondly, but my intent has changed. For me, it’s all about strolling the streets of Wellness and Healthy where I will take my time learning and doing things that will keep me healthy, fit, and happy. I hope to see you there!!
By the way, if you are shopping at the Bikini Union Hall on the streets of Here and Now, we can meet up later. I applaud your walk in the sun. Enjoy and stay healthy each and every day!
