A LETTER TO WOMEN - by Julie Hebberd (quoted in part)

After a year as a nudist, my perspective on what a woman might want to know prior to attending a first function is this:

It is completely normal to be scared witless !

If it’s her spouse urging her to try nudism, anger is the normal reaction. Thinking that he is pursuing nudism just to see a lot of naked women unfortunately does not help her to

Embrace the idea.

It is not about gawking, however. It is a lifestyle choice that gives us the freedom to be clothes-free and experience body acceptance.

Women are inherently ashamed of their bodies because of the society we live in. Everywhere we turn are beautiful, bone-thin models and actresses, and the world appears to be full of men who desire this kind of woman. Most women are not models. Quite the contrary, we come in all shapes and sizes, and are beautiful just as we are.

One trip to a nudist event and a woman will be unburdened and free forever of her self-limiting ideas. Along with shedding her clothes, she will shed the body shame society has dumped on her. She will finally be able to challenge the deeply held belief that she is unacceptable as she is.

HOW DO I KNOW what other women feel about their bodies ? Because I have lived it. Until I became a nudist I was convinced of my lack of worthiness because my body would never fit the sterotype. Even when I weighed 107 pounds, I thought I was fat. Off-the-rack clothing never fit my shape. When I look at pictures of me then, I see a darling young woman who just could not be accepting of herself because of a social burden I did not even realize I was carrying. I was powerless and unhappy.

This has been a heavy load to carry for so long - it makes me cry to think back. I ache for women who still carry the load and who will probably carry it forever.

To not accept herself as she is - and worse, to identify the essence of who she is by the body she wears , is a tragedy. It is my personal goal to lead as many women to a nudist lifestyle as I possibly can.

The first time will be difficult. But when faced with the opportunity, women need to feel that fear and do it anyway. Come as you are - you will never be the same again. Don’t worry if people don’t jump up to welcome you - we have many new faces and most won’t know that you are a newcomer. You will fit right in, believe me... If you are uncomfortable, wrap a towel around yourself or stay in your clothes. No one will care because we have all been there.

A few pointers: treat others as you would wish to be treated. Don’t stare, ogle, or touch. No sex jokes or innuendos. Becoming a nudist is simply the best step I have ever taken in my own behalf. I urge you to join me.