This is the time of year when I hear these types of comments surface again:
“I’m ready for summer, but not for the pool. I am not ready to be in a swimsuit.”
“I need to lose some weight before I head to the beach.”
” I can’t believe all the [insert selected holiday here] candy I ate. I’ve got to make up for that!”
These and other similar comments make me sad every year as I realize the unnecessary stress experienced by those I love. I challenge everyone this year to take a new stance. Rather than wondering if you are ready for your swimsuit/pool/beach, ask a different question. Is your swimsuit ready for you?
Implied in this question is that you are radically accepted and loved…as you are. You (and all of us) exhibit a range of both the best and worst of the human condition internally and externally at various points in our lives. Why not fully embrace what you bring to the table right now, without having to perfect, change, or hide it? If anything needs to change today, it’s the swimsuit. Not you.
The irony is that this type of radical acceptance is what frees us to change, without the pressure or expectations of having to change in order to feel okay. If this type of radical acceptance feels like a big leap, start with some positive statements. As we think it and state it, we can move toward embracing it more fully. Tell yourself the truth- that you deserve love and care and kindness at whatever shape and size you happen to be today. You deserve a comfortable swimsuit and a fun time at the pool and beach.
So if you feel for whatever reason that your swimsuit may not be ready for you, realize that your body is worthy of love and respect today, as is, and consider getting a new swimsuit to celebrate that truth.
