For many, many years, I struggled with my body image, until I woke up one day and told myself to love me exactly the way I am. And I did. I did, and I've been doing just that for so long that I honestly can't remember a time before I worshipped the skin I'm in.

Still, I can't deny that being plus size is often frustrating. It's difficult enough as it is to find casual clothing that fits me and my body type, much less finding a swimsuit that fits and is aesthetically pleasing, but I don't allow that dilemma to weigh me down. Better yet, I don't let the body-shamers get to me. Here's how I do it.

First, I browse through a department store for a swimsuit. I pick out a few I like and try them on. I determine which one(s) I like best and that I think look good on me, then I buy it/them and wear it/them to the river or lake or pool. And that's it. It's that simple. Now, notice that I used first person pronouns throughout my explanation. That's crucial to my success as a plus-size woman during swimsuit season. Know why? Because I don't care what anyone else thinks. And you shouldn't either.

Yes, I'm aware of the risks that being overweight poses to my health. I get it. I really do. I also understand that some people may think I'm promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. That's fine, too. They're entitled to their wrong opinion, because quite frankly, my body is none of their business, especially when it's in a swimsuit. I didn't spend my precious time and money carefully choosing the perfect swimsuit just to be judged and made fun of because my body type may not be visually or sexually appealing to some. My body isn't meant to be sexualized or critiqued when I'm floating down the river or taking a dip in the lake with my family and friends. My body is designed to exist and experience, not to be displayed.

Swimsuit season strikes fear into the hearts of far too many men and women every year, but overcoming that fear begins when we embrace self-love. Take care of your body and nourish it in whatever way you see fit. Eat that third slice of pizza or another piece of cake, even if it means you have to walk an extra mile or put in an additional 30 minutes on the elliptical. Life is all about balance between health and happiness, and yes, that's definitely possible as a plus size person. Do what you want to do and what makes you happy, because you deserve it. Treat yo' self every day.

So as swimsuit season fast approaches, know that there are only two absolutely foolproof ways to get that beach body we're all looking for: have a body and go to the beach. Ladies, wear that high-waisted bikini you've been lusting after for the past three summers. Gentlemen, take off your shirt and feel the warm sun on your skin for the first time. Let those haters hate and just do you. Be happy and smile because you know you're killin' that double digit swimsuit this season.