Standing at the water’s edge, I peel off all my clothes, leaving them in a pile on the ground. Then, without hesitation, I head, completely naked, into the water. I love the feeling of being immersed in the frigid temperature.
As an avid skinny dipper, I’ve been doing this for years. And while I’ve had the odd surprised look from passersby, at 57, being naked in the water has given me a new appreciation for my body.
Growing up, my childhood was split between Germany and Sweden. I was always outdoors, and I felt most comfortable surrounded by nature. I’d spend summers swimming (albeit swimsuit-clad!) in lakes with friends, and hiking through the woods.
I always said that I’d want my own kids to have the same sort of childhood as me – and, after moving to the UK, aged 27, I met Stephen. We got married in March 1991, and after our first daughter, Kristina, was born in 1992, followed by Nick in 1994, and Anya two years later, we spent countless summers on the beach near our home in Devon, and splashing in lakes on holidays around Europe.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.