Like every year in Summer, we are expected to look perfect for the bikini season. But I think women (and men) should get a break from looking fabulous (whose idea of fabulous is this, by the way?) and should instead do their best to feel good. The temperatures are already really high, and it’s hard to not feel sweaty when you feel the need to cover yourself… Here are a few ideas to love your body!
Love Your Body As It Is
I feel quite happy to be in my 30s, because even though I still have a few insecurities, I finally love my body. I was raised in a society where every flaw is seen as something to be corrected. However, now, more and more, I hear about body positivity. And, as much as people like hating influencers, some are really setting a good example. The important thing is to feel good: if your weight doesn’t prevent you from doing things you like and doesn’t put your health at risk, I think you should simply love your body.
Brands are now taking into account fashion for bigger women, and it’s great! Why should you feel bad because you can’t find beautiful clothes in your size? It’s not your fault! Should only teenagers get the right to wear flattering dresses? No.
And it’s not just about sizes, it’s about disabilities too. In fact, there are now agencies who look for people with disabilities to promote brands. For example, Zebedee was founded in 2017. Today, the agency represents more than 500 models in Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
On Instagram, I follow Grace Strobel, a model with Down syndrome and I think she’s an amazing model. Not just a good model because she’s this cute little blonde with a charming smile, but a good role model because she’s full of positive energy and she promotes diversity and open-mindedness. She shows you how to love your body and how to love yourself.
Your Body Is Amazing!
Whenever I feel a bit uncomfortable with parts of my body, I remember that this body allowed me to travel around the world. My body allows me to hike, to see, to taste… in one word to experience! If you can go wherever you want and experience life, you should feel lucky. You should love your body!
I mean, no obligation, I know it’s not a feeling we control… But seriously, think of all you can do with that body! Do you know the singer Regina Spektor? In one of her songs, she says “I’ve got a perfect body, though sometimes I forget. I’ve got a perfect body cause my eyelashes catch my sweat. Yes, they do, they do“. And she’s right! If you think about it, your body is optimized for you.
About the beach body… I recently read a meme about it, and I think this is just perfect. It says: “The idea that the “ideal beach body” just means being thin or buff is so unimaginative! Surely, the ideal beach body would have a powerful lobster claw, arm flaps to act as a windbreak and a sand repellent anus“. Again, it’s true. If your body allows you to go to the beach and enjoy yourself, then, that’s a beach body! Love your body, it takes you to the seaside!
Take Care Of Yourself!
This Summer, don’t forget the sunscreen and to stay as much as possible under the shade. Whenever you exercise, stretch. If something hurts, get some rest, apply some cream like Voltaren or essential oils. Use knee pads if your knee hurts and you still have to walk. Go to see an osteopath or a physiotherapist if the pain lasts. Do not be stupid and not do these things because it makes you feel old! Your body is telling you something, it’s warning you, so listen to what it says. Otherwise, at some point, it will hurt so much that you won’t be able to do things.
Same, when you feel tired or thirsty during a hike, rest and drink water. I know, it’s annoying and I have been in those situations. But I have also lived the next day, when I woke up with a massive headache. Just because I didn’t want to stop. I’m writing this article as much for you as for me, I think. Learn from your mistakes and once again, love your body.
Have a great Summer, guys!
To read more thoughts, you can visit the page Thoughts.
