Want to know the easiest, simplest way to feel better about yourself in a bikini? Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop it. Stop it now! The majority of our discontentment is when we turn on the “i wish I looked like (insert swimsuit model or celeb here)” switch. So lets all turn that switch to off and take these three easy steps to feeling better about our beach bods.
1. Turn the negative into a positive. Instead of always looking at aspects of your body you don’t like in a negative light, think about how great those elements really are. Got a big butt? Just know any rapper anywhere in the world admires you. Small boobs? Enjoy running around on the beach pain free. Just had a kid? Know that whatever the repercussions might be, that l’il bundle of joy running around or in your arms is here because of you and your bod.
2. Make the most out of what’ve you’ve got. – We all have different bodies and are uniquely made, yet why is the goal always to look like Alessandra Ambrosio? Sometimes you just are dealt a different deck, and it’s just as good. Have an athletic build? Make the most of it and embrace how much of a bad ass athlete you can be. Are you more full figured? Be confident and a role model by loving your body and your curves. Lolo Jones, Laila Ali, and Jessica Biel should be just as revered as little miss Ale.
3. Keep things in perspective – Really, are love handles, or a stomach pooch that bad? This week (after looking at lots of editorials for work) I had a meltdown in front of my husband where I vowed to never lift another weight, and declared that I needed botox and a complete makeover. I stormed off and went for a jog on the beach when I passed not one, but three ladies in wheelchairs (some of which were missing limbs), all with a genuine smile from ear to ear. Thank you God for that much needed message, I heard you loud and clear. Way too often, we prioritize vanity over health, but really need to be so thankful for the bodies we have, and the amazing things that they do.
There – I had to get that all off my chest, and hope at least a little bit of that helps at least one of you out there to be more comfortable and confident in a bikini. It worked for me. I’ve come to grips that no matter how hard I try I will never look like Candice Swanepoel. But I can bench press her and then do 25 pull ups, and that makes me feel great.
So take off those coverups, hit the pool, lake or beach, and love the skin you’re in. You’ll feel better than ever.