A common summer misconception is that you ought to have a “perfect” bikini body. In general, the media and even our peers have put the pressure on women to dress a certain way and workout extra hard and/or eat certain foods (or no foods) so that they don’t get “too chunky”. But achieving the perfect body is a lot easier than you think.

The perfect body is the one you possess. Even if your proportions aren’t even, you were born that way. Boys may have an idea in their heads of what girls should look like, but men love and encourage women to be the best they can be. Don’t change your appearance unless YOU want to! Of course, this rule doesn’t apply if a medical professional tells you to lose weight or remove potentially cancerous moles.

I admit that I have a pretty hot body, and I just recently rekindled my love-hate relationship with exercising. But I have always had my share of flaws. My face breaks out in acne (fortunately not as bad as it used to be), I have a tiny rear end, and I’m fairly sweaty and hairy. Also, I have underdeveloped core muscles that hinder my posture.

The list could go on and on, but I don't want to draw more intention to my problem areas. So what, they're there.

Yeah sure, I’m not “perfect”. But no one is. I have to work harder to get stronger. No big deal. I’m still perfectly me and hell, I enjoy working out. It makes me feel strong and empowered. Not once have I attempted a fitness routine just so I could look more like a supermodel.

My body is my body and I love the skin I’m in, even if it is dry and eczema prone, and has a rash-like birthmark on my back. As gross as it sounds, I have never let those things get the best of me or stop me from living my life to the fullest. Those who truly love and support me are able to overlook my flaws and see me for who I truly am, and those who love you will follow suit.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is nothing sexier than being confident. Just remember that you are perfect just the way you are.