It's as simple as this: it's summer and you have a body; therefore, you have a summer body.

Ta-da! Just put on a swimsuit, or your crop top, or whatever it is you're wearing on this summer day and that's all you have to do to show off your summer body. Your body does not have to look a certain way in order for you to have a summer body. That is a myth told to you by a society that refuses to accept people for who they are and it is a marketing strategy that companies use to make more money.

Do not be ashamed because the make of your body does not match society's standards for the "perfect summer body". You are beautiful and your body is beautiful, regardless of its shape and size, regardless of what anyone else says, regardless of the scars embedded on your skin, regardless of any blemishes you may have. Your body is beautiful, period. Don't let anyone tell you it isn't, ever.

Take it from someone who understands. I have struggled with body issues for as long as I can remember, whether it was adults telling me when I was younger that my stomach should never stick out past the top of my jeans or magazines telling me I wasn't pretty unless I wore a size 00 (not that there's anything wrong with being a size 00). I wouldn't wear two-piece bathing suits for years because I was afraid to let other people see my body. I thought I was fat and I was not nice to myself. I had and still have stretch marks, because that's what happens when your body grows. I felt like I was supposed to be ashamed of my body because it wasn't considered "perfect". I won't sit here and tell you that I don't ever have low self-esteem, because that would be a lie. We all struggle with our body images, and why wouldn't we given the expectations set for us by society? But I have learned that I can't listen to what society tells me, especially when it comes to my body, and neither can you.

So forget what society says. Tell the haters they can go frick themselves. Don't listen to what anyone else has to say about your body, unless, of course, they're telling you that you look hecka rad in whatever you're wearing on this hot summer day. Because what makes this summer day hot is you. You look hot no matter what. Your summer body is already ready to go - so please, take care of your body. Be kind to it. Do not hurt it likes others have hurt you. Your body is your home, and it is the only one you truly have. So go out there and rock all of the latest summer trends like it's nobody's business - because it isn't. You have a summer body and it is your time to show it off, so go out, be free, and enjoy these summer days while they last.