I remember when I was in my 20s, I would hear people say to enjoy my body because it only gets tougherย to keep in shape as you get older. I turned 30 and didn’t feel any changes so I thought I was fine. But this year, at 33, I now understand what those people meant.
It’s been harder for me to keep in shape recently. A year ago, a workout hiatusย wouldn’t matter. I’d hit a few pilates classes and my stomach would instantly flatten and my butt would lift. These days it takes much more of an effort.
Now that we’re in full swimsuit season mode, I’ve found myself feeling down about my appearance. I look at photos from previous years and think, why don’t I look like that anymore? The healthy response would be to eat better and work out more. But for some reason I found myself feeling discouraged and skipping a workout class for a comforting bowl of pasta. I’d wake up, look at my cellulite, and repeat the downward spiral of being upset when I saw my Facebook memories show photos of my former bikini body.
When I took these photos on the beach a few weeks ago, the purpose of the post was to chat about one-piece swimsuits (I did round up some at the end of the post in case you’re interested). But I want to be real with you guys. So much of our world these days are perfect images on social media. So I wanted to share that no matter what you see on Instagram or Facebook, everyone has their insecurities. I’m currently trying to obsess less over my cellulite, white spotsย and new love handlesย that I certainly don’t love. And instead I’m trying to focus on the positives.
With my body changes I am now a fuller cup size. That means I actually fill out the top half of my bathing suits! I’ve realized that the important part about body image is focusing on the attributes you love about yourself. Sure I don’t feel as comfortable anymore walking around in an itty-bitty bikini (seriously when did bottoms get so tiny?!). But I now embrace my curves with new swimsuit shapes that flatter my figure.
So as we head into the weekend, I want to encourage you (and to remind myself!) to focus on the body parts you love. It’s all about learning to accept yourself for who you are. Because as one of my favorite yoga teachers, Arielle, always says at the end of class…
You are more than enough.
Photos by Michelle Kyle
Bathing Suit: Yumi Kim
Hat:ย Sole Society (sold out but also like this one)
Nails: Essie ย โBaguette Me Notโ
I can understand your discomfort but to be honest and direct, you look smashing woman!
If I could only look this amazing in my swimsuit. I’m tall and very slim so I always feel like a teenager
boy when at the beach. I don’f manage to fill in any cups, so even though I don’t have those love handles,
I do feel discomfortable because of the exact lack of the same. I shouldn’t, I should just embrace my body
for what it is and find a perfect fitting swimsuit for the beach. ๐
http://lartoffashion.com
Aw you’re too kind, thank you! Everyone has different insecurities and yes, it’s all about embracing your body. I’m sure you look amazing in a swimsuit! xx
Thank you so much Sydne! Many kisses to you!
This is such a great message! Thanks so much for sharing.
xo,
Vicky
http://www.aspiringsocialite.com/
So glad you liked the post!
You’re beautiful. But, also, try to celebrate what your body is capable of and its health. I do understand that frustrating spiral, though. Even after working out religiously for 2 years straight, my weight never budged, but I am scary strong and capable. Anyway, part of it is my age (44) and having a career and 3 teeangers, but most of it was what I was eating, my portions and being inconsistent with my healthy food choices. I found an awesome program online lead by two nutritionists and with a group and one on one support the weight is coming off. It’s been life changing! I lost 14lbs in 4 weeks and am developing a new relationship with food. I’m close to my maintenance weight but will do the summer session because I want to reinforce what I’ve learned and learn how to maintain. Even though you don’t need to lose weight, this program can help with those moments when you just want to eat pasta: https://www.aaynutrition.com/
That’s amazing! Congrats on your happiness with program!
Aw I love this message so much! It’s brave of you to post <3. You look amazing, girl! ashieldannette.blogspot.com
So sweet of you, thank you!
Thank you for this. I’ve been having a hard time with my body lately, and I’m realizing it definitely takes a lot more effort to stay in shape in my 30s. It’s been great to see brands like aerie embrace and honor women of all shapes and sizes, and I always appreciate when bloggers or celebs are honest about their self image issues. Everyone struggles with it at some point, but it’s tough to remember that in the moment. All of that said, you look amazing in this suit and I love that fun print!
xx
Sam
Every day people see a huge number of unrealistic and potentially harmful images of ideal bodies. This makes it difficult for a person to accept, love their body and feel confident, but without it, healthy self-esteem is impossible. You need to know what your body can do and love those capabilities. To love your body, it’s important to explore all aspects of your body. I did this at Weight loss clinic Houston – https://www.zmedclinic.com/.
Endurance training is good for health, but can be detrimental if the intensity is uncontrolled and the load is not in line with the body’s capabilities. Therefore, before starting the exercises, you need to consult a doctor and a trainer who will select the optimal complex individually, I use this https://www.amazon.in/Prorganiq-Booster-Testosterone-Supplement-Strength/dp/B0BJMS4GT1/