Before the societal pressure to conform takes over, many feel a delight in their bodies, a "deep well" of power and raw emotion. Later in life, reclaiming the body—perhaps through swimming—can be a way of embracing that strength, of being a "tall girl in a small swimsuit".
Best essays of 2017: The day I put my bikini away - Salon.com
The bikini is more than just swimwear; it is a cultural artifact that, for many, represents a complex intersection of femininity, body image, and rebellion. When one considers the prospect of "before I'm gone"—a contemplation of mortality or the inevitable passing of youth—the bikini often serves as a focal point for memories regarding how we inhabited our bodies and how we allowed them to be seen.
