There is an excellent meme that continues to circle about this time of year, year after year, about how to “Get a Beach Body”. It goes like this: 1 Have a body. 2 Go to the beach. Which is all well and good and jolly funny, unless we are secretly having a massive crisis of confidence about our body and we just want to hide inside as the sun comes out.
Improving body image is huge, and something that is dear to my heart in my coaching academy. Having women work through the 30-day Self Esteem course and say they have worn a swimsuit or bikini to the beach for the first time in a decade and felt good in their own skin is the most rewarding work in the world. It absolutely thrills me to see that transformation in confidence and happiness. Everyone deserves to feel at home in their body: it is the only place we have to live, so any energy spent hating it rather than loving it is time and energy wasted. Obviously, I can’t replicate a 30-day course of personal growth and transformation in the next 176 words (you can waitlist for the academy at iamawellbeingwarrior.com) but, if you start focusing on these things it will definitely help.
1. Do what you need to do to feel more confident now. Not when you get to that magical weight or whatever. What makes you feel even a smidge more confident right now? That gorgeous kaftan? Get it. A pedicure so your feet look bright and beautiful when you see them? Do it. Stop waiting. Move towards confidence now.
2. If you can’t yet love (or even like) your body for how it looks, love your body for what it can do. It can, and does, do so much for you. Concentrate on your capabilities, not your aesthetics. Celebrate them. Be proud of them. And build on them.
3. Stop focusing on what you are trying to get from your body and look at what you are giving it instead. Stop trying to get a result (thinner, lighter, tighter, younger, etc) and look at what you can consistently give instead as a service. Give your body kind words. Give it fresh food. Give it a walk around the park or a run or a swim in the ocean in the sun. Revel in what you can give. Take your body to the beach, feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your skin and enjoy all summer has to offer.
Life coach Louise Thompson helps people unlock their happiest and healthiest life. Find more at louisethompson.com