6 tips for Confidence on the beach

Curvy Woman’s Guide to loving yourself on a summer vacation!

Summer is here! Summer, summer, SUMMER! The most amazing time to visit the beach, pools, swim up bars, everything you can imagine! However, I know behind the fun and amazing times some people are NOT confident about their bodies.

You only have ONE body you need to love it! Your body does so much for you! Your body lets you breathe, walk, talk, and experience life. Your body is YOU and your tool for life. Your body serves you so the least you can do is show it some love!

Easier said than done! Right? Well here are some few tips that really help me muster the confidence to LOVE my body and not apologize for it.

1. Get Bikini Body… Put on a bikini!

Okay this might be tough but the best and fastest way to get a bikini body is go buy one and wear it! PUT THE DAMN THING ON and do not apologize. IF someone doesn’t like it, they can look away. For me, I feel most comfortable in a two piece with a bikini top and a cute skirt. I love that look! I want you to go out there and love your incredible body that let’s you walk and breath.

2. LOVE your Swim suit

I know, there are some pricey swim suits out there. If you’re plus size like me, you know the struggle. In order to LOVE your swim suit DO NOT be SHY. Treat your self! Save up the cash! I know several great stores that have expensive bathing suits but I feel like it’s worth it!

To look at your bathing suit and be like “YAS” . Men and women should look at their bathing suits and LOVE them. I did splurge on my bathing suits last summer and I’m still using them this summer. I spent more than usual on them but I knew I wanted to! I went to Torrid! A plus size store that is a little pricey for my budget… but look at this suit! It has great support for the ladies and it’s not like my traditional skirt and top bathing suit. It’s more form fitting but I love it! Go out and try some stuff on. I like Torrid, Walmart and Target for plus size swim suits. I know Walmart also has some cool swim shorts for guys as well. So go pick a nice fit and a bomb pattern that is so you! It could be 420 themed, classy colors, bright colors, what ever excites you to get it on!

3. STOP Negative self talk.

This sounds easier than it is. I put on my super cute swim suit, then I had all these nasty thoughts like “oh my goodness my boobs are sticking out” “my legs look gross” “I do not like my stomach.” “Other women look so good in their swim suits, and then there’s me”. All of those thoughts are terrible. I caught myself using the negative self talk and comparing myself to others. You need to catch yourself too! Do not compare yourself to others. Instead just try to be the best you that you can be in that time. If you are not able to say “damn you sexy” and believe it. Don’t. It takes small steps.

1. Identify that you are using negative self talk.
2. Feel good for noticing it.
3. Say something nice to yourself.
4. Remind yourself, you only have ONE body and you NEED to love it
5. Move on with your day

It’s hard because not everyone can say to themselves ” I love how my body looks and I know it is incredible” sometimes a starting point is just thinking of one logical thing that makes you feel good. Sounds weird but being honest with yourself is very important. I start with “My body is allowing me to live and walk” . Even though I may not “look” like a model or the ideal woman, my body still works. If you do feel confident in your body let your thoughts SING! ” I can shake my booty like no ones business and I love it!” “I have an incredible and sexy hairy dad bod and the people love it” lolol or find a happy medium. Just DO NOT get stuck in negative thoughts.

4. Enjoy the People

We can get so stuck in our own thoughts that sometimes we forget to make genuine connections with those around us. Making connections with people around you can lift your spirits. People are so interesting and to get to know someone you went on vacation with better or to meet someone new can be an amazing experience. If you travel with friends or family take time to get out of your own head and ask them questions about what they want to do or what is on their mind. If you’re a brave soul and travel solo bring up a friendly conversation with someone. It will almost instantly lift your attitude.

We sometimes fail to admit it but humans are social creatures and we crave attention from others. We learn from each other and laugh with each other. This will allow you to step out of your confidence and lift someone else’s spirit.

For example, today at the beach I went to the beach bar with my sister. She got her drink and went to a table. I was there and I was alone with the bartender. This bartender looked like the coolest person to me. I absolutely loved her black hair with green tips and green bangs. She was acting pretty stressed and took my order. I began talking to her about her hair! It turns out she dies it herself at home and she wanted a blue, not a green. I told her how amazing it looked. She told me to try my drink to make sure I liked it. There was no one behind me so I lingered a bit. She also grabbed a straw and tried it. I asked her about her job and life as a bartender on the beach with an edgy look. We bonded and I will never forget that little encounter.

5. Live in the moment

In this busy world when we are running from place to place and waiting and rushing we need to remember to live in the moment. Quiet those thoughts of rushing, negative self talk, and DO what will make you happy in that moment. You’re on vacation so enjoy it! If you want to cannon ball do it!

The power of living in the moment is incredible! Try it out. Whenever you catch yourself thinking unproductively or worrying just catch yourself and take a deep breathe. You are okay, everything is fine and this is your moment to focus on.

6. Bring out your inner child

This goes along with the last tip to live in the moment. In the moment if you want to act or say something silly, DO IT! If you want to dance around the pool, play marco polo, boogie board, make a sand castle, dunk your friend, or anything that sounds fun to you. Do it. Kids have such freedom and as an adult that freedom can be life changing. I always try to think “how can I make this MORE FUN?” then I do it.

For example, today my sister and I jumped in the pool after a long tanning session. We could’ve just floated or bobbed around but I thought “Can I hold my breath the length of the pool?” so my sister and I both spent about 20 minutes just trying to hold our breath across the pool.

This energy is contagious! My sister then dunked me! I laughed and then we did races. Okay we are in our late 20’s so not the typical thing to do but we had a blast!