“Stop making excuses,” read the caption beneath a mirror selfie shared by a proud mom. She beamed at her toned abs glistening in the bathroom light, declaring that with “hard work and dedication,” any mom could attain a physique like hers.
I felt a surge of frustration at her post. These “What’s Your Excuse?” messages are not only hurtful but also exploit our insecurities. Many of us grapple with thoughts that undermine our self-worth: we’re not thin enough, we haven’t shed the baby weight, and suddenly we’re confronted with a post that reinforces these negative beliefs. It’s no wonder we tend to scrutinize our bodies and dread slipping into swimsuits during the summer months. We imagine the women on the beach judging us with a critical, “What’s your excuse?” It’s a relentless battle against that inner critic.
Summer is a time when we should be gentle with ourselves, yet we often impose unrealistic expectations. We convince ourselves that happiness is contingent on reaching a specific weight or size. Worse still, we shy away from swimming or wearing summer attire because we believe our bodies aren’t “beach-ready.”
If you search for tips on achieving a “beach body,” you’ll encounter headlines promising quick fixes: “Get a Pool-Ready Stomach,” “5 Weeks to a Bikini Body,” or “10 Exercises to Get Swimsuit Ready by Saturday.” No wonder so many of us hesitate to put on our swimsuits when bombarded with such negative narratives.
I have stretch marks, a significant stomach fold, and my clothing size fluctuates between 14 and 16. I work out, I’m physically strong, and my body has brought new life into the world. After nearly four decades, I’ve come to realize that my value as a woman and a mother is not determined by my size. I am confident, yet these misleading messages can make me question my own body. In a sea of body-shaming content, it feels almost impossible to find uplifting articles that celebrate body positivity. I yearned for someone to say, “Hey Mama, your body is perfect just as it is. You are swimsuit-ready!”
So let me state it clearly: Your body is swimsuit-ready. No special diets or extreme workouts are required. Just be yourself. Slip into that swimsuit; you deserve to enjoy the pool and the beach. Embracing our bodies as they are and living fully will set a powerful example for our children.
What could we accomplish if we silenced those negative thoughts? What if, instead of body shaming, we fostered support among mothers? Imagine if we discussed topics beyond appearances, acknowledging that there’s no single standard of beauty. What if we stopped perpetuating the myth that diets or gimmicky workouts could “fix” us?
There is no one ideal body type to strive for. Each woman is already whole and deserving of love. Your body is ready for summer fun, and it’s time to embrace it.
For more insights on motherhood and self-love, check out these resources: the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation and learn about options like at-home insemination kits.
In conclusion, remember: Your body is perfect, just as it is—ready for the beach, the pool, and everything in between.