Summer's right around the corner, and that means long nights, hot days, pool parties... and struggling to feel comfortable in a bathing suit.
After years of trying shopping for bathing suits, getting angry with how they fit, and promptly returning them back to their rightful rack in the store, I'm slowly learning that my body is okay.
If I needed to, which I don't, I would put my body into the "skinny-fat" category. With a toned upper body and slim arms, yet big thighs and a pudgy stomach, the ratio always disappointed me. For many people, both male and female, this is too familiar. Whether they think their entire body is pure fat or that they're simply skin and bones, it's important to instill in everyone that their body is fine the way it is. Now, that being said, I also understand it is extremely difficult to accept your body.
There are countless "ideal weight body charts" circulating around online with completely unrealistic weights for certain heights. There are thousands of tags on social media where private accounts post pictures of their "thinspo" (thin inspiration) or "anatips" (anorexia tips). This is a very serious problem that needs very serious attention. We need to start teaching others, as well as learning ourselves, that just because our stomachs are not flat as paper or our thighs don't have a gap in the middle does not mean we do not have beach bodies. Do you have a body? Do you go to the beach? You have a beach body. And anyone who tells you otherwise will be appalled by your newfound confidence. Let them be.
Example of an unrealistic weight chart found easily on social media. Photo Credit: Tumblr
Going to the beach should not be something to dread. I have experienced my own mother refusing an invite to the beach with me because she was embarrassed to show up in a bathing suit. No one should have to feel that way. I have experienced weighing and measuring myself over three times a day and logging them in a notebook to see my "progress." No one should have to do that.
Countless other people have survived their eating disorders or shame for their body, and they are prime examples of strength. Strength is learning to love who you are, no matter whether or not your hips stick out over your jeans. Strength is wearing a cute bathing suit, regardless of whether you look like a Victoria's Secret model or not. You are strength and you deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin. Everyone should.
It's okay to want to better yourself, but if you do so, do it in a healthy way. But one thing I have learned over the years of trying to lose weight is that it's okay to treat yourself one, two, three times a week. Some days I eat tons of fruits and veggies, and sometimes my only meal for the day is half a jar of Nutella, and that's okay.
BuzzFeed had everyday women try on Victoria's Secret swimwear... and they looked fabulous. Photo Credit: BuzzFeed
So don't obsess over your body as summer approaches. Of course, it's easier said than done, but taking baby steps towards self acceptance will lead to an incredible journey of loving yourself more than you ever thought you could. And if you hear the phrase "No, I can't have that, summer's coming up," from your friends' mouths, just remind them that their body is already a beach body, whether they know it yet or not.
