Let me ask you something. Do you get excited about summer but also dread it a little bit? You love the warmth and the sunshine. You could live at the beach and the pool. Buuuut, the thought of having to wear a swimsuit in front of your family or friends (or anyone really!) makes you die inside a little bit. Did I get that right?

As the weather gets warmer, I am hearing this from many women, and it’s not just specific to swimsuits. Family gatherings at the park make some people anxious because wearing shorts or a tank top is terrifying.

But why is it terrifying? Because you are conditioned to believe that you must have a specific type of body to wear summer clothes. While things seem to be heading in the right direction, we still see primarily unrealistic images of women in bathing suits, making us feel insecure and self-conscious. Perhaps, there are people in your life who have that “ideal” body, which may amplify your insecurities. Today, I want to tell you that you are allowed to exist and wear whatever you want in your current body. Trust me; I know how hard it is to allow yourself to wear the shorts because of cellulite or spider veins (I have both, hey-o! 👋) or choose the two-piece swimsuit because you don’t have a flat stomach. It’s especially difficult when we spend time with people who have “nicer” bodies than us. It’s so intimidating, isn’t it?

Your friends and family love you; they aren’t asking to hang out simply to observe and call out your “flaws.” If they are, this is your cue to cut them out of your life or decide that their negativity should not influence how you get to live your life. Believe it or not, your body is the least interesting thing about you! The reality is that we are too preoccupied with our own selves, and no one is dissecting your every body part like you are.

You may be working on changing your body because you don’t love it. That’s okay! But, you don’t have to wear cardigans in the heat or jeans when it’s hot and humid simply because you haven’t reached your goals yet. You are allowed to jump, frolic, wear a swimsuit you like, and be in pictures in your right now body! We are allowed to soak up the sun, enjoy summer, make memories, preserve the memories (in photos, so take them and be in them!), wear the shorts, wear the tank top, wear the swimsuit of our choosing, take up space, and exist. You deserve that right now regardless of who you are with and what your body looks like.

Being able to take the space you need and to simply exist is soooo freeing. And, you deserve to be free!