How To Enjoy Summer This Year: Empowering Journey

Summer Sunshine: Radiating Confidence

Summer. Don’t we all love summer?

The warmth and the gentle breeze are cherished by many. It’s time to get out our shorts and sandals and enjoy the sun, soaking up every dose of vitamin D.

Summer’s Impact on Mental Well-being

When summer comes around, many people seem happier. The bright light and the various outdoor activities, help those who feel lonely, depressed, and bored after winter.

Exposure to sunlight helps to regulate our mood, and it helps ward off feelings of depression, improving our mental health.

This is due to our “sunshine friend” vitamin D. It plays an important role in synthesizing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

Personal Reflections on Summer Bliss

The past few days have been filled with such warmth and light, and I’ve truly felt the positive impact on my mood. Instead of trudging through the streets with a heavy heart, I’ve found myself walking with a newfound sense of joy and clarity.

The streets have been bustling with tourists, their laughter and chatter filling the air. It’s been a delight to see so many people out and about, enjoying the simple pleasures of summer – like indulging in a delicious scoop of ice cream.

Observing their carefree enjoyment has been incredibly uplifting. It reminded me of the importance of embracing life’s little moments of happiness and connection.

I feel so grateful for the chance to be able to experience the beauty of summer once again after so many years.

Summer Reward; Surviving the Endless Winter Season

Summer is an amazing time of the year. However, not everyone can enjoy it the way that they want to. For those suffering from an eating disorder, it can be a very stressful season. 

The pressure to show more skin can feel overwhelming, as we tend to cover ourselves up, either because we are ashamed of our bodies, or because we are scared of how others may view our bodies.

Many gravitate towards oversized clothing, such as oversized jumpers, wide-legged trousers, long skirts, and dresses. Some, like myself, even go as far as not being able to show any skin.

I would go to great lengths to hide my body, wearing my hair down, to hide my facial structure, opting for tights, long sleeves, knee-high socks, and turtle-neck shirts, to ensure that no skin would show. This would also be the case in summer, often causing me to overheat.

Why Are We Ashamed of Our Bodies?

The pursuit of the ‘perfect’ body has detrimentally impacted the mental health of countless individuals. Striving for an idealized body image often leads to unrealistic expectations, leaving us feeling dissatisfied with the way we look. These unrealistic expectations are shaped by societal norms.

Before summer arrives, the topic of ‘how to get the perfect summer body’ dominates discussions. However, in my opinion, every body has the perfect summer body.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed. It is a time for fun and laughter, spending time with loved ones, enjoying the sun and warmth. Instead of focusing on how our bodies look. The most important thing is that YOU feel comfortable in your skin, and not what others think.

Appearance isn’t everything. You aren’t going to be more loved by conforming to society’s standards of beauty. True beauty lies within your Aura, personality, and everything that makes you, authentically you.

Aura

Your aura is the energy that you emit into the world. It reflects your inner state and is what attracts others to you. If your aura is energetic and vibrant, it uplifts and inspires those in your surroundings.

Understanding and cultivating a positive aura can have profound effects on your relationships and social interactions. It’s not just about how you look, but also about the energy you bring into a room.

By nurturing a positive aura through practices like mindfulness, self-care, and positive thinking, you can create a more welcoming and harmonious environment wherever you go.

Your aura is a masterpiece painted with the colours of your heart, each hue more beautiful than the last

Think:

Consider the way you talk or think about your body. Now, ask yourself: Would you ever speak or think those words about your friends or family?

The chances are, you wouldn’t.

So why are you saying them to yourself? You deserve to treat your body with kindness and positivity and remember, that you are uniquely you, and your body is your home.

(You can find some practical steps to self-love/acceptance Here)

You were born an original. Don’t die a copy

My Past Summer lives

Spending four consecutive summers in the hospital, with an additional year due to the COVID lockdown, has profoundly influenced my perspective on spring and summer.

I never considered it a special time of the year; like many, I viewed it as another season that comes and goes. However, over the years my perception has dramatically changed.

Being in the Hospital meant that I haven’t been able to enjoy summer for a while now. As my mental health started to deteriorate, I felt compelled to wear multiple layers of clothing, often causing me to overheat.

The struggle with acceptance started long before I developed an eating disorder. I was so fixated on attaining a model-like physique, that I forgot that my body is different and unique to me. I began wearing longer skirts and dresses, feeling insecure in my body.

Following the trend of achieving a thigh gap at the time, I found myself exercising daily, driven by the societal notion of what was considered “beautiful.” However, exercise became more of a chore than a source of enjoyment.

To truly find pleasure in physical activity, I would have needed to break free from the cycle of excessive exercise and discover a sport or activity that brought me genuine joy.

Unfortunately, my eating disorder dictated a rigid regime of relentless exercise. It left little room for enjoyment or fulfilment in other aspects of life.

I saw the success, but for my eating disorder, it wasn’t enough, causing me to want more. But I never reached happiness or acceptance. There was no goal in sight, and I lost control.

Reclaiming Summer

Last weekend marked a significant shift. For the first time in years, I walked through the streets with a positive energy and an enormous smile. The response was heart-warming — smiles back and a sense of connection.

While I’m still on the path to self-love and body acceptance, I recognize my body’s uniqueness. No one has the same body as me, enabling me to dance, walk, feel, taste, express, create connections, and explore the world. I’m grateful for its capabilities and urge you to appreciate yours too.

This year I am reclaiming to enjoy the heat, the warmth, the joy of this summer. I want to wear what I want, eat ice cream when I want, spend time in nature, and laugh. Yes, I want to laugh a lot!

Be gone eating disorder restrictions. This is my year!

By Author

The Best thing you can do: If you are struggling with accepting the way that you look, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Reach out to your loved ones and share your feelings and thoughts about your appearance. Ask them to show you the truth, because acceptance comes from both the heart and the brain. And remember, your brain likes to lie at times.

With the support of loved ones, you can embark on the journey toward self-acceptance, embracing your inner beauty, and enhancing your mental health.

I am also here to help and listen, so don’t be afraid to connect with me, we can do it together.

Thank you for reading!