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As the seasons shift and we begin to leave behind the gloom of winter, the arrival of summer should fill us with excitement. The prospect of enjoying the sun and outdoor activities with loved ones is something to look forward to! However, this time of year also brings along the pressure of achieving a so-called “summer body.”
I advocate for body acceptance and self-love, yet I still find myself bombarded by ads promoting extreme detoxes and diets, even on platforms like YouTube, where I recently saw an ad suggesting my weight loss issues were related to digestion.
In the past, such messages would have sent me spiraling into anxiety, leading to frantic searches for quick weight loss solutions. I used to obsess over exercises to make my body more “acceptable” for swimwear. Now, however, these ads simply evoke sadness and anger. After years of battling self-acceptance, I’m finally at a point where I can love my body, and I refuse to go back to hiding it. I know I’m not alone. Many women, including my mother and friends, have faced similar struggles. It’s time to break this cycle.
This year, I’m rejecting all the pressure to transform my body for summer. Remember, the only requirement for a summer body is to live your life joyfully in the body you already have.
When I’ve shared this perspective with others, I’ve received mixed reactions. Some labeled it as laziness, while others cautioned me against neglecting my health for the sake of a principle. The truth is, I feel healthier than ever—not just physically, but mentally. I’m prioritizing my mental well-being and embracing my body just as it is. What could be healthier than that?
What Does ‘Summer Body’ Really Mean?
For me, the only weight I plan to shed is the burden of worrying about others’ opinions regarding my body. This summer, I’ll focus on wearing clothes that make me feel comfortable rather than trying to conform to societal expectations.
I identify as mid-sized and curvy; I’ve heard the hurtful comments about needing to “get in shape” to be seen as the “full package.” Such remarks have haunted me for years, leading to a long struggle with an eating disorder.
As we emerge from the pandemic, many will realize their bodies have changed. Yes, some of us may have gained weight during this time, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why should looking good be our top priority? I advocate for body acceptance not just for myself, but for my children too. I want them to choose swimsuits based on comfort and aesthetics, not societal pressures. Kids already face enough challenges regarding body image, especially in our digital age.
A report from Healthline indicates that calls to the National Eating Disorders Association from tweens and teens have surged by 58% since March 2020. Navigating body changes during adolescence is tough enough without the added stress of unrealistic beauty standards.
Embracing All Bodies in Every Season
I’m exhausted by the constant message that we’re not enough as we are. Whether you’re overweight, underweight, or curvy, society always seems to suggest you should be different. The perfect beach bodies we see online are often edited and filtered, not to mention supported by privileges many lack.
Ultimately, preparing for summer should be about wearing comfortable clothing and loving your body just as it is. This isn’t about criticizing anyone’s choices or fitness routines; it’s about honoring every body type.
So, let’s collectively discard the myth of the “summer body.” Last summer, I wore a two-piece bathing suit for the first time in 31 years, and it was liberating. I’m ready for summer as I am, and I hope you will join me in this celebration of body positivity.
For more insights on body acceptance and self-love, check out our other blog post here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, you might also want to explore Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit, which is a trusted resource in this field. Additionally, for more information on pregnancy and insemination techniques, Healthline offers excellent resources.