It's happening, ya'll (I don't talk with a southern accent but "ya'll" sounds so much cooler than saying "you guys" like us Minnesotans say). Anyways, it's happening.
It's that time of year where stores displays of warm sweaters are switched with colorful little bikinis (I have to stay far away from Target to avoid going broke). It's that time of year when the days are longer and the sun is warmer (except apparently not in Minnesota, but everywhere else). It's that time of year where people are talking about what's coming... SUMMER!
We should be excited for summer!! It's sunny, people come out from hibernation, we can swim, ride bikes, be one with nature (whatever that means). Summer should be fun.
It's interesting then, that many woman talk about not liking summer because they aren't confident in their bodies. To many, summer means wearing less layers, smaller clothes and swim suites. It seems that insecurities tend to steal joy during this season.
However, it's really not that surprising when you look at what is being pushed on us.
Because it's ALSO that time of year when gyms, fitness gurus, workout program ambassadors and people selling diet supplements start talking about what's coming too.
"Get your body ready for summer", "get your 'bikini body' ready", "get your 'summer body' in 6 weeks", etc. etc. etc.
Ladies and gents, I just want to remind you of an honest to God truth:
Your winter body is good enough this summer.
Your winter body is good enough all year, actually.
Please remember when you see the ads, videos and before and after photos, that people and companies make money off of our insecurities. That's why the diet culture pushes it down our throat.. because it works for them. The idea of a slim, fit, summer body is appealing, sure, but your body is already good enough this summer.
I'm not saying don't take care of yourself. Move your body, give your body the nutrients it needs to have energy. These are great things!
It is a problem, though, when these diet and fitness messages make us feel insecure and ashamed. Don't think less of your body because the media is putting pressure on you to change it for summer. You don't need to change it.
Is your body a body?
Is your body a body that functions in the summer?
THEN IT'S ALREADY A SUMMER BODY.
Always has been, always will be.