I absolutely love summer and all that it brings — warm weather, shorts, cute dresses, and darling swimsuits. Unfortunately, as much as my love for the season continues, my hate for those unfortunate bikini body insecurities are here too. You know, those thousands of questions that loom around in your head and make you feel there is more you should be doing to get your body into shape. Call it the summer beach bod dilemma, but it seems that summer brings out the worst of the body insecurities. With a heightened sense of body awareness, it is easy to fall into the trap of body insecurity. I’ve been guilty of this lately. Today I’m here to remind you that beauty comes from the inside out, regardless of your body shape. Read on for some important tips to keep that confidence about your body all year long.
I know this post isn’t me in a bikini, but in all honesty, the photos still make me feel vulnerable. Maybe it’s the tight bodycon fit, but I find it revealing about the body in very similar ways. I’m going to be completely open here and tell you I’ve had these pictures for weeks. I’ve been skeptical to share them, mostly because of my own lack of confidence about them. As I looked at these photos the first time I began feeling insecure about showing them.
I’m embarrassed to say but I’m sharing with you to remind you that we all have them. I felt like my skin didn’t look smooth enough, my arms looked big, my skin tone discolored, my hips too wide, my butt not perky enough, my stomach not flat enough, and my boobs too small. I started deleting the ones that I felt like I didn’t look my best in and realized I was deleting nearly all of them. It was more than apparent that my own insecurities about my body were speaking louder. Because I’ve been battling with body image lately and we all need to hear it, I want to share more than just some reminders on how to banish the bikini body insecurities this summer. We should feel confident all the time no matter what we wear or how we look!
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Never compare yourself to others.
I can’t stress enough how important this reminder is and I know I’m so guilty of this. This is a hard one to do especially when our minds are programmed to discretely be aware of perfection and flaws. With a world profoundly driven by media there will always be an opportunity for you to compare. Yes, I understand that so many women out there look like Victoria Secret models, but what’s more important than outward beauty is the heart of a person. Comparison won’t get you anywhere positive. The truth is that everyone is beautiful, especially when they let their true beauty on the inside shine.
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Change the way you see yourself.
Difficult to do as we are often our own worst critics, but if we are able to emotionally displace the negativity we feel about ourselves we can view our bodies in a whole different light. What I always remind myself of is the fact that so many women can feel the same way I do – fear, rejection, comparison, etc.. When others look at me I may be feeling judgment, but perhaps they are looking at me for different reasons. Change begins with the way we see ourselves, including awareness of the negativity that comes our way. Remember, you’re beautiful from the inside-out. Your smile and your confidence should outweigh all those insecurities.
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Don’t speak negativity out loud.
Words are powerful. Avoid the self-deprecating talk completely and only speak positive things – especially out loud. What we say affects how we feel and negative speaking will only contribute to a negative mindset. Instead, replace those words with honesty and how you want to feel about yourself. Give yourself a little pep talk and remind yourself how beautiful you truly are!
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Be confident in who you are.
I know the “self-love” thing seems a little awkward at times, but fully embracing this concept means no self-rejection. Confidence is critical to overcoming insecurities about the way we look. Sometimes it can simply be finding the right clothes that make you confident. Avoiding what’s popular and putting on what makes you feel good about yourself is perfectly acceptable and in fact encouraged! Remember, the most beautiful thing a woman can wear is a smile. People will be drawn to a woman’s smile, confidence, and heart more than anything she puts on or any way her body looks. That’s true beauty.
I hope this post inspired you to embrace who you are and be confident in your own skin. You are truly beautiful!
Keep smiling!
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
What a beautiful and inspiring post! Thank you so much for this-exactly what I needed to hear as I am about to head out for a run in a tank top that I have never felt comfortable in. It’s funny because you seem like one of the most confident(and you’re stunning!) girls of the world yet we ALL have our insecurities don’t we? Thanks again for the great post molly! xoxo, Sherry
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Thank you, Sherry! What you shared is exactly why I decided to write this. Even if appearance says otherwise, we all have insecurities about one thing or another. Thank you for the sweet compliments! Rock that tank top and embrace it completely! I bet it looks amazing on you!
I agree with all of these things! Sometimes it can be easier said than done but I definitely believe it takes time and practice! I love the message you are sending! Good vibes!
xo, Milan
MilanDarling.com
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Milan, you make a good point “easier said than done,” but the point is that we try and we lift encourage and lift each other up in the process! Keep shining girl!
I love the dress and you are GORGEOUS! Thanks for the inspiring post. Definitely needed the reminded while pregnant with baby 3# !
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Thank you Amanda! Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. A lot of body changes, but well worth it! Can’t wait to have my own some day. Congrats on #3! 🙂
You are such a beautiful soul, Molly!
Lindsey
http://www.seamlesssea.com
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Lindsey, you’re going to make me cry with your kindness! Thank you so much!
Isn’t it amazing (and sad) how critical we are of ourselves? I had a photo up on facebook and got a lot of compliments on it and all I could think when I looked at it was that I hated how one of my eyes squints up more than than other when I smile. Isn’t that such a dumb thing to criticize myself about? But it’s hard to get past that stuff – thank you for your tips!
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Sweetie, I wouldn’t call it dumb to criticize yourself, because it is human nature, but glad you recognize like me how silly we can be with things like this! Remember to keep smiling and embracing all that you are!
You look awesome girl. I think we all deal with some sort of body insecurities. I know I do. Not comparing myself to others definitely helps me! Also just realizing that we all have flaws and focusing on the things I love about myself instead of the things I’m not so happy about.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
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Allison, in a way it should make it easier on us girls knowing we ALL deal with some sort of body insecurities. We should be lifting each other up and complimenting others more often than we do! I know I try to as much as I can! Also, focusing on the heart should ultimately be what’s most important!
Loved this, Molly! I totally feel you – sometimes I need a reminder of this 🙂 So inspiring! Keep up the great writing, love!
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Thanks Lauren! As women, I think we ALL need a reminder of this. So glad it helped you! Keep smiling!
Thanks for sharing. We all have our insecurities. I think it’s okay to feel bad about them as long as we don’t let it rule our lives. Certain things can be worked while others not so much. Depends on the outlook.
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
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I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. Yes, we all have insecurities and that’s OK! It’s when it becomes all we focus on and obsess over that it becomes destructive. I hope you realize truly how beautiful you are inside and out! I can tell by your smile and the way you write!
Great post Molly! You totally rock beautifully!
Blessings & love
Tiff
http://tinytiffs.blogspot.com
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Thank you, Tiffany! I hope you are having a fantastic weekend! Blessings right back at you!
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring post! We are definitely our own worse critics – I usually start by deleting the photos I don’t like too and find I have none left!
You look absolutely gorgeous and I love this dress on you!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
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You are more than welcome! I am so glad that my words helped encourage and you are right: we are our own worst critics. We should be less hard on ourselves, what do you think?! haha! Thanks for the love! Keep smiling!
This morning a friend passed along a phrase that I think fits with your wonderful words of encouragement, “just because you feel it, doesn’t mean it’s true.” Insecurities can start with outside sources but we grow them on the inside and feeling them about ourselves does not make them true. Thank you for your candor in sharing your story. It is a message we all need to hear over and over.
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Rose, I’m so thankful that you appreciated my openness in this post. I love what your friend said about it not necessarily being true just because we feel it. That is so true and I’m definitely going to start reminding myself of that daily! Thanks for sharing! Keep smiling!
Wow. So motivational and inspirational-takes a lot to share such personal experiences! Very impressed. xx, gracie: snappedbygracie.com
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Thank you Gracie! You’re right it does take a lot to share personal experiences and I’m so glad it was received well! Thanks for letting me share! You’re the best!
Such an inspirational post! Thanks for sharing, babe <3 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
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Thank you Sharon! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Such a beautiful and gorgeous post love! You always bring a smile to my face. Those earrings are killer btw! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
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Kait! You’re always one to bring a smile to my face as well! And these earrings would look amazing on you for sure! Thanks for the love!
I don’t know how I missed this post. Definitely my favorite post by far because of how vulnerable you got with us. I never would have thought you had insecurities! Well, I believe it because all women do- but you shouldn’t. You’re perfect in my eyes. You’re so beautiful inside and out.
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Chelsea, it’s never easy being vulnerable especially to a bunch of people I’ve never met, but I’m learning to be fearless and keep being myself despite what others think of me! Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging, especially at a time you know I need it the most!
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You make such a good point! Taking photos for the blog and advertising your body to thousands of people can make it so tough not to be extra critical. However, I have learned to appreciate how unique and beautiful the wonderful community of fashion bloggers is!