Right now, every lifestyle magazine, health and wellness website, and local gym is shouting about bikini season. If you didn’t get the memo, it’s time to get our “bikini body” back, stat.
Cue high amounts of anxiety, 30-day juice cleanses, and 5-day a week stinks at the gym.
Sigh.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so tired of being told how much I should weigh. Seriously! My body is curvy and beautiful and I am cool with that. So fitting into a tiny bikini (although that would be nice) is a not a goal I shoot for once the summer arrives.
Here’s why.
When I was at my peak of suffering with psoriasis and arthritis, I was a size 00. I was thin, yes. But I was in constant pain and totally depressed.
Then, one day, my miracle medication arrived. My skin began to clear up. My pain began to subside. So I started going to lots of delicious restaurants. I took long walks and met up with friends. I went on romantic dates with cute boys. Finally, freedom!
Soon, I became a much healthier weight. Of course, like any other woman, I would get self-conscious about my shape; that I wasn’t as skinny as I used to be. But I kept reminding myself that I’d rather be happy and healthy than striving to be unrealistically thin.
I’m not gonna lie. My body confidence is still a work in progress, but I have made amazing strides in accepting it just the way it is.
Here are 3 ways to love your body no matter what this summer:
1. Find a bathing suit that isn’t about fitting in, but about feeling great. So many of us would love to confidently wear a string bikini to the beach. But let’s be honest, who is actually comfortable showing that much skin? If wearing something revealing doesn’t feel good, don’t do it. There are so many beautiful one-piece suits out there, so pick one that makes you feel beautiful. Simple as that.
2. Become one with nature. Have you ever noticed how imperfect nature is? Almost every tree is missing a branch. Grass isn’t always completely green. When I see these things, I’m always reminded that those imperfections are what make nature beautiful and whole. We all have flaws, but it is possible to find beauty in those flaws. So let the natural world be your mirror for practicing radical self-love even if your thighs don’t look like Gisele’s!
3. Surround yourself with positive people. There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by girlfriends who are constantly complaining about being fat or comparing themselves to skinny girls. What you need is to hang out with friends who embrace their true selves and their bodies so that you can do the same. Consider this your body confidence cocoon.
So yes, body confidence is a daily practice for us all. And speaking for myself, it doesn’t always come easily. But this summer consider how much more freedom you would have if you just focused on having fun and make happiness your ultimate goal, not the size of your waist.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. How does the summer make you feel about your figure? Are you able to embrace your bathing suit size or do you shy away from being in public when it’s time to wear one? If you have tips of your own for body confidence – I would love for you to join our #LoveEntourage in the comments below and share your wisdom.
Remember, love yourself first.