Embracing Body Positivity Even When That's Really, REALLY Hard (Thanks to Beneathe)

This past weekend, I participated in a photo shoot. I've done them before, and I really love being part of the experience. This one was a little different, though, because it was for underwear. And, to be perfectly honest, I am not comfortable showing myself in underwear, well, ever. But Beneathe Underwear Club changed all that.

I'm always thinking about my rolls. My cellulite. My big thighs. My larger-than-normal butt. Truth be told, I don't even take photos in my underwear, let alone post them for anyone else to see.

Probably one of the only times you won't see me smiling in a photo, but I love this shot!

But when Beneathe asked me to be part of this photo shoot, I decided to face my fears and go for it. I love that Beneathe believes in body positivity and is inclusive of all shapes and sizes. I was shooting with girls who were definitely much younger than me, who had way less cellulite or rolls around their middles.

But when all was said and done, we actually all had the same reservations and body struggles, regardless of size -- and we all supported each other and saw the others' beauty, NOT their supposed flaws. We're all always so much harder on ourselves than anyone else is going to be -- we see the things that we assume everyone else does, but you know what? EVERYONE ELSE IS SEEING THEIR OWN THINGS.

I love the concept of Beneathe, which is an underwear subscription that starts at just $10 a month for your choice of a thong, cheeky or mixed pack. The underwear is SUPER cute and so comfortable, and it's available from XS-3X! I tried on both the thongs and the cheekies and loved them both. My favorite was the red pair I'm seen in here, but I'm pretty much obsessed with every pair they sell! Your options are:

Single Pair Beneathe Bag ($9.99)
One pair delivered to your door every month

Two Pair Beneathe Bag ($12.99)
Two pairs delivered to your door every month

Here are some more photos from the shoot, too.

I love how the photographer, Devon, was able to capture my joy so well. This is not staged or fake -- this is my real laugh. 😄

Because searching through the Netflix queue is really funny, you guys. (Side note: I actually forgot to put my arm through the cold shoulder opening of this top, so it looks like a tank top. Oops.)

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite shots EVER. I love how they were able to capture me happy, but I also just love this angle of the thigh. It's a shot I was hoping to get, and it just happened!

Okay, so here's the thing. I actually don't love the way I look here. My thigh looks huge and my stomach is coming out on top of my underwear more than I'd like. But I think it's important to show even the less flattering angles because I want to try and become more comfortable in my own skin.

I love that Beneathe makes women feel sexy in their own skin -- and I loved being part of this shoot.

Okay, and having a little eyeshadow never hurts.

For more information about Beneathe and to sign up for a subscription, visit beneathe.com.