I have taken a strong interest in nudism within the past year and a half. I love the feeling of being free and not having to worry about society's everyday hassles. When nude, I feel more like myself. The only time I feel out of place is when I'm around others who do not share my sense of freedom. Part of being a naturist to me is respecting others, including what they choose to wear or not to wear. I was not brought up in a nudist environment but was always taught decent morals and values. I learned not to hate but to express feelings of courtesy and respect towards every individual.
While surfing the web one afternoon, I came across a site relating to nudism. I was 17 at the time, and had not yet made the distinction between sexual concepts and plain nudity. I believed that naturism was practised by adults only.
I was in for a big surprise. The first things I noticed on the site were the pictures. Many included young teens, even entire families enjoying nude recreation. Two things clued me in that this wasn't pornography. The people in the photos were not perfect-looking models wearing makeup, nor was anyone posing in a sexual manner. I then clicked the link that brought up some text. Just as every other nudist site I have visited since, this one contained a very healthy and positive outlook on the nudist lifestyle.
There are many aspects of society I have never been able to understand. Not once have I felt the need to fight or be considered 'popular' in school. Instead, I prefer to be known and liked, but not talked about behind my back. This way there is no pressure on me, and I can choose my own friends, rather than thinking I must belong exclusively to a certain group.
Overall, I am a peaceful person who gets along well with almost everyone. I am very turned off by things such as hate and discrimination. This is yet another reason why I am interested in the nudist lifestyle. In it, everyone is treated equally, and a warm sense of community shines through. I have always disliked waking up on a school morning having to look for an outfit that is both attractive and comfortable. Often the pants are too tight or too loose, and the shirt too short or way too big. There is only one outfit that always seems to feel and look just right: my birthday suit! There are times when clothing is necessary, of course. I would not work in the buff around saw blades and torches in jewelry class, just as I wouldn't take a shower with my clothes on. In the same way, I don't see a problem with a family going nude in the privacy of their own home. In fact, I often sunbathe nude in my backyard, where there are shrubs or fences on all three sides.
We also have a second home in a more secluded area near Traverse City, where I spend a lot of my time nude walking along the trails or swimming in the lake. This has become my favourite part of the summer!
Nudism is in no way about showing off or 'parading around naked,' as so many believe it to be. It is about freedom of choice and relaxation in a non-sexual setting. Since for most of my life, society sent me the message that nudity is shameful and indecent, I had at first a rough time trying to distinguish between sex and nudity. But I don't see the harm in a couple taking a nude jog down the street to try to keep cool, or a teenage boy or girl not getting wrapped up in a towel first thing after a shower, because they are proud of their bodies and trusting of those they care about most. In a public beach setting, it has become more acceptable for females to wear tiny bikinis where over 90% of the body is showing; yet nudity is looked on to be offending in the exact same place.
Nudism is a healthy lifestyle for just about everyone who is interested in it, regardless of age or background. Many families around the world already participate. When you and the others around you are nude, the atmosphere becomes much friendlier and more tolerant. You realize the human body is part of nature, and therefore nothing to be ashamed of.