Bare those Arms!

Who shaped the narrative that women of a certain age or stature shouldn't bare their arms? 

Who perpetuated it?

Was it a man? A woman? Society in general? 

For years, I covered my arms and shoulders, purposely buying countless flutter sleeve tops and dresses; there were (and maybe still are) workplace rules about women wearing sleeveless dresses or attire. Because we're unprofessional if we show our arms?!

Even Kim Campbell went online a few years ago to share her opinion that female broadcasters shouldn't wear sleeveless dresses on air saying, "bare arms undermine credibility and gravitas.” 

OK.

Now, I'd be lying if I said I was 100% confident about flaunting my bare arms; I worried (and sometimes still stress) about my arm giggle, my cellulite, my unsculpted shoulders -- and how they would be perceived by others around me. I also hate that I let those insecurities get inside my head. 

But, let me tell you a couple things:

• It is steamy hot outside. Why on earth would I wear a full sleeve if I could get any sort of reprieve with a tank?
• These arms carry loads, babies, work. I do hundreds of curls and pushups. They are strong and they are mine. 
• I'm tired of hiding a part of my body because others may not find it attractive. And if you think I'm unprofessional because of my shoulders, exit stage left. 

I think there's lots of work to be done in changing and shifting these discussions, reminding ourselves (and our kids) that we're good enough to do (or bare) what others do so freely -- tanks, bikinis, shorts, whatever. 

And it's about time we celebrate what's good about our bodies, not focus on this narrative that we need to look a certain way or be a certain age to wear specific items or do certain things. 

So please, for the love of your underarm, it's 40 degrees outside. Put on a tank top. 

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