Well, today is a sobby crying messy kind of day and I definitely wanted to force myself to think about something that would make me smile. While my move to Florida is definitely a good thing, a wonderful thing, in fact a miracle thing - and I truly am elated, it's still hard to think I have to say goodbye to the last 10 years in Portland and the many people who became family during that time.

It's truly overwhelming, in the best kind of way really - and I'm grateful to my core. It's truly because of you, the support you show me constantly, that this opportunity is even at my doorstep. I'm in awe of the power of positive thought and you have changed my life in so many ways.

So celebrate that positive thought, I figured the best kind of post would be one that celebrated one of the happiest days for me. I celebrated my 35th birthday in Santa Monica, CA and us girls of course hammed it up for the camera to commemorate the many body confidence milestones we all have personally achieved and those we work hard to inspire other women to take.

I am so proud of these pictures and like I said in my facebook post, I remember a time when my size 26/28 self and THIS (me + swimsuit + picture) would have NEVER happened and that is a damn shame because this day was one of the most perfect ever...and honestly if I had any more clothes on I literally WOULD HAVE DIED from heat stroke. What if we let the critics in our head win?? What if you turn down that pool party invite?? Your happiness will suffer in exchange to make someone else more comfortable with THEIR own issues, our children's self esteem will suffer and they will think this is how they should be as well (why should they love themselves unconditionally when they don't see you doing that?), our husbands will suffer because they SEE every inch of our beauty and it literally KILLS them little by little to have no control in helping you find peace and happiness with your body and unfortunately, the cycle will never end. Eff the critics babygirl, and eff anyone else's version of beauty if it forces you to deny embracing moments like these..live your life NOW.

Suit > http://bit.ly/jessicaswimsuit
Pics taken by Marcy Guevara - thank you Marcy!