Ladies let us talk how we can increase our body positivity as we step into the unofficial summer months. Our bodies have gone through things. From medical crisis, to birthing babies. As much as we long for our bodies to go back to the point that we felt our most “snatched” let’s keep in mind that all bodies are beautiful. How do we embrace our changing bodies? What are the ways that we can encourage ourselves to step into all the glory that our bodies are no matter what stage of life we are in?
Summer Bodies don’t have to Wait
Have you ever heard yourself or others say that they are waiting on their summer bodies? This is the phrase that states that when you have gotten to a certain sizing that you will embrace doing things like wearing shorts, swimsuits, or other forms of flattering clothes. Summers come and go, and we hide our bodies in the shame that we haven’t met a certain goal or look to feel free. There are people who prefer to cover up. There’s nothing wrong with that either. How free do you feel in your skin? Even the most covered may not feel as free. We want to do more to change that. Clothing choices are personal but being free should be felt by all.
What’s Hindering your Mind and Body to Align in Freedom?
Sometimes we acknowledge that we aren’t as small as we “used to be.” Our bodies are always changing. I remember when I gained over seventy-five pounds having a baby. The first thing I did was cry. Yes, I acknowledged my body size. I understand that it took time to lose all the baby weight. However, after the acknowledgment came the shame. I spent the rest of the Summer not going to things like the beach or other social events. One of the reasons my mind and body couldn’t align in freedom came from the Mothers, Aunties, and Grandmothers who the first thing they say is, “you definitely have gotten bigger.” Why do we do that to each other?
Building Body Positivity among Each Other
Trust me no one in the BBG needs to hear about the fluctuation of their weight. We look and see ourselves daily. Regardless even if some women who have never had a baby the first time you look in the mirror and do not “see” the you that you are used to; trust me you won’t need a reminder. Do me a favor? Promise me that the next woman you see that if you want to acknowledge them don’t do it by weight. Instead of you are getting big find something else to compliment them on. Notice their flawless makeup or wonderful shoe choice. Do not let another woman in your presence feel small by reminding them of where they are. Not everyone is solid in their mindset to take that.
Stepping into the Glory of your Body
Here are ways that I encourage you to step into your body
• Buy a swimsuit that is made for your body type. Use this quiz by Refinery29. This will help you cover up areas that you want covered and leave the ones you embrace and care less about “out”
• Schedule yourself a beach, pool, or other outside fun that you have been hiding from and go even if its for an hour. Don’t cancel on yourself-go
• Increase your affirmations in the summer and do one before you go “outside”
• Speak up for yourself. Sometimes the people around us that down us do it so easily because we don’t tell them to stop or aren’t as honest that it hurts your feeling
• Put it on-the days where we deprive ourselves of showing up into the world must stop at our closet
• Use good skin care while you are out this Summer. Take care of your skin and treat it well
