Wearing a bikini can be extremely daunting for women, especially when we do not have a healthy relationship with our bodies. Maybe you just bought a cute set, and while trying it at the store or casually looking online, you may have felt like you were gonna rock this at the beach or at the next pool party. But the day comes, and you’re hesitant. You don’t like the way it looks on your body, how it snatches you in the ‘wrong’ places, you dislike how prominent your stretch marks or cellulite is, or maybe you’re not curvy enough, or you just don’t like your skin; you become so conscious of your body and you would rather put on a basic t-shirt and jeans that hides all these so-called flaws. But on what standards do we base these flaws? Is it because of the incredibly gorgeous-looking model we see that may or may not have been heavily photoshopped, or is it because of the comments we hear from people? Nonetheless, these are beauty standards that exist because of society, and because of a well curated marketing strategy to sell off of such insecurities.
For a long time, women have been told to look a certain way or to act a certain way. And if wearing a bikini is against your religious, cultural or personal beliefs, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to do so, but, even then it is important to embrace your body as it is, and to not criticise it. Embracing our bodies and cultivating a positive self-image is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It is one where you overcome body image issues by finding empowerment through body positivity and self-love.
Firstly, look inwards to reflect on your own struggles with body image and the hesitance to wear bikinis. What was it that led you to dislike your body or to not love it the way you want to? This can be severely impacted by societal beauty standards on self-esteem and confidence. It is always important to think about the emotional toll of comparing oneself to unrealistic ideals. All bodies are different, scars tell stories, and if we all had the same body we would look like factory-produced dolls and that would be uninteresting right?
Remind yourself that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that you get to celebrate your unique features and qualities that make you who you are. Challenge the societal beauty standards that have shaped your perception of your body, and remember that these standards are unrealistic and do not define your worth. You can reframe your mindset to focus on self-love, self-acceptance, and embracing your body as it is.
Do not engage in activities that feed into these insecurities rather, engage in activities that make you feel good, such a exercise, meditation, creative pursuits, to shift your focus from appearance to overall well-being, and foster a positive relationship with your body. You can take small steps towards loving your body and celebrate this progress. Start by wearing your bikini in a private setting where you feel comfortable. Yes that also means wearing it in your room, looking at yourself in the mirror and posing for yourself. Whatever you do, do it comfortably. Gradually expose yourself to more public spaces, allowing yourself to grow in confidence.
Women deserve to feel confident, beautiful, and free in their own skin, regardless of their shape or size. Embrace the journey of self-acceptance and surround yourself with love and positivity while also staying healthy.