Let's have an open conversation about the elusive summer body.

I wanted to continue a conversation I’ve been having with many of my clients and have touched on via social media. With the weather warming up (yay!), a lot of us will be outside more and transitioning to summer clothing. As this seasonal transition happens, we are also inundated with the “summer body” narrative….cue me cringing…

For these reasons, it is a great time to talk about the uncomfortable feelings that may come up when trying on clothing that:

a)   May not fit anymore

b)  May reveal areas of your body that you aren’t as comfortable with

It is also crucial to talk about how to tune out the cultural narrative of a “summer body” and tune into the way you are speaking to yourself about your body.

First let me say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE when it comes to any of these sticky thoughts or feelings. So many of us struggle in these areas! These experiences, emotions, and thoughts that come up are very real and very challenging. After validating the experience, I think a crucial step to moving forward is to assess the storyline we are living by. Bri Campos, a therapist and body image coach, offered these questions to help us evaluate our storyline and recognize any opportunity to shift an unhelpful narrative. Take a moment to reflect on the storyline you are clinging to.

1)   Is it true?

2)   Is it kind?

3)   Is it helpful?

If the answer to all three of these questions is not yes, we have an opportunity to reassess what we are telling ourselves and shift the narrative to something kinder, more compassionate, and helpful.

Another key area of reflection as we navigate the cultural “summer body” messaging, is how we actually view and value our bodies. Do I value my body as more than a visual entity? Our bodies are not just ornaments to be looked at. Our bodies are the instruments that walk us through life and carry us through, in even the most challenging circumstances. It is a crucial step in healing to allow ourselves to be more than just a body.

Society has decided who is lovable and who isn’t. Does this align with your values? Would you ever hold back love or approval from someone because of their body size?

I am a huge advocate of assessing the narratives, or storylines, that we allow ourselves to live by, as we talked about earlier. I also strongly believe in holding up our choices, decisions, and behaviors to the framework of our values. Do they fit? Using these reflection practices consistently can help ensure that we are living a life made up of storylines that are

1)   True: based in reality, not the influenced narratives we often get caught in

2)   Kind: affectionate or loving toward ourselves and others

3)   Helpful: useful, leaving behind the narratives that eat away at our time and energy

I hope these practices help you embrace the new season with less anxiety and more ability to be present to soak up the sunshine!