I hear a lot of people talking about their hesitancy to put on a bathing suit this summer. They tell me about the diet and exercise plans they have to get their body “bikini ready.” Swimsuit season has become a time that many of us dread because of the insecurities we have about our bodies.

So I thought I would help simplify things by offering two easy steps to having a bikini ready body:

Step one: Buy a bikini. Any bikini!

Step two: Put the bikini on your body. Ta da!

When we define who can and can’t wear a bathing suit, we are participating in body shaming. We are sending the message that you and your body are not good enough. Not only is this not true, but this can create deep wounds that lead to unhelpful and even dangerous habits. We need to change the way we talk about our bodies.

Health and beauty exist at every size. No matter what size you are, how old you are, or how many kids you’ve had, you have a body worth celebrating!

Whether it’s writing on your bathroom mirror or talking out loud to yourself, surround yourself with positive messages about yourself and your body. Let’s be intentional about extending body positivity towards ourselves and others this summer.

Written by: Elizabeth Kraich