Everyone knows that summertime is the time to relax. It's a break from school, a break from stress, and a time to get yourself into a new routine. Although people have jobs, it's more so a break from a load of schoolwork and a time to catch up with old friends while doing some things you can't do during the school year.

Over this summer, so far, I have been working on maintaining my weight as well as losing some weight, and it has been extremely difficult. While trying to maintain my weight at the same time as working every day and barely having a decent time at the gym, I have somehow managed to do OK. I try my absolute best to make it the Planet Fitness at least four times a week, while pushing myself to eat better.

But, why is it that losing weight seems to be a serious struggle? I get it, for you to lose weight you need to be extremely motivated and dedicated to it. But, it is very difficult when there are millions of temptations surrounded by you every day. Your friends are constantly asking you to get ice cream because (of course) it's summer! You go to a family cookout and what are they serving? Definitely not salads, that is for sure. And to add, you want to relax, not stress yourself out by shoving only greens down your throat and working out all the time.

Although I have maintained my weight and toned a little bit, I need to give myself a break. I continuously try to better myself and show people that I can do it. But in the process of it, I am only mentally taking myself down. What if I don't hit that new record at the gym? I push myself until I hurt. What if I don't look good in that bikini in the Target dressing room? I let out a few tears and kick myself down. I need to stop.

It really doesn't help when people use the words "You look better" when acknowledging your weight loss. Yes, I am flattered that you noticed, but I feel like that comment can come off as insulting. Did I not reach your requirements before? Am I only worth getting complimented because I'm doing something to benefit myself? Same goes to guys. My biggest pet peeve is when boys only begin to message you once they realize you're losing weight. Was it my weight that held you back from talking to me before?

So, why is society still trying to bring people down, especially those who are trying to better themselves? We need to stop looking at the number on the scale, stop looking for other peoples' opinions, and stop beating ourselves up for trying to be better. What we need to start doing is spreading compliments, acknowledge that we are trying, and smile.

Losing weight is NOT easy, and whoever says it is, is definitely hiding a trick from me. But, I just have to enjoy my summer, and keep motivating myself and get myself to realize that weight is just a number.