Go with your gut when buying clothing

I have always been one to sit and analyze every inch of my body in an article of summer clothing I desire to buy. I have learned that that was not healthy, as I would analyze every single flaw I found in myself within that top, pair of shorts, or new bathing suit that I could find. Don't do that to yourself! If you do not like the feel of the outfit when you immediately try it on, that is one thing. However, if you like it after a minute or two of trying it on, and you are comfortable and find the price fair, go ahead and try on that next outfit and place it on the potential buying pile. With that being said, wear clothes that you are comfortable in that make you feel good about your physical appearance. Work with what you have, sis- and that is for you to define, not anyone else.

Don't let that little voice in your head speak louder than yours about your body

Negative thinking in all aspects of life is never beneficial, but it happens to all of us at one point or another; however, negative thinking can be especially dangerous when directed at yourself. When you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself or your body image in particular, take the time to follow up on those negative thoughts with words of affirmation. A little bit of positivity can go a long way!

When you find a flaw, make a list of things you love about yourself

While it can be difficult if you are not at the stage where you are following negative thoughts with words of affirmation, making a list of things that you love about yourself can be quite vexing, even upsetting. Though this might prove to be quite a challenge, it is one of the many ways to ensure that you are working towards overpowering negative thinking. Or, if a list is too difficult to produce, try hanging some inspiring self-love quotes or words of affirmation on post-it notes around your mirror so it is one of the first things you see when you look into the mirror to help remind you to think positively!

Look at yourself as a whole, not that one patch of stretch marks

I am extremely guilty of doing this. I have caught myself saying "if I just had *one thing different about my body*, I would be so much prettier, less insecure, etc." I have found that by thinking that way, I tend to fall down the slippery slope of not wanting to alter one thing, but five things, then 10 things, and so on. It is easy to want to change something about yourself, and some goals are accomplishable. However, that is not the point here. Instead of picking yourself apart for those singular flaws, try not to isolate parts of your body and instead, look at yourself as a whole person.

Surround yourself with positive individuals

This is probably going to be the most difficult item on my list. Due to the societal ideologies that have implicated and rigidly defined women's beauty, it is hard for women to not fall into negative thinking when they do not meet these frivolous standards. So, I challenge you to find women who long to lift themselves up and help one another find positive thinking and emotions to help rid of the negative thinking. Don't be afraid to hold one another accountable!

Remember that beauty is not skin-deep

Due to misleading values portrayed in the media, people commonly associate beauty primarily with physical appearance, which is only part of it. Beauty is not the state of one's body: it is the state of one's mind. Take care of your mind first, and it will help you take care of the body it resides in!