Summer is upon us. With summer comes warm weather, less clothing and bikini season. Although summer is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year, it also can be a dreaded season for those who are not comfortable with their bikini body. Self-image is an extremely prevalent topic for women. We stand up straight, suck in and hit the gym wondering what can give us the body we desire.

According to dosomething.org, 91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies. All around us magazines idolize the “ideal bikini body” as someone with a thin waist, large boobs, and a large butt. In reality, only 5 percent of women naturally possess the body type portrayed in the media. If only 5 percent of people have this body type, why is it that society strives so hard to push us to desire these unrealistic ideals? Back in the day, celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe were idolized for their bodies. In 1980, sizes zero to six were not even standard on clothing store racks. Beauty icon Marilyn Monroe was a size 12. When did society change to promote that thin is in?

All across the world, women are looking in the mirror and not feeling comfortable in their own skin. Now there are healthy ways to change your body, such as a balanced diet and exercise. Where it becomes dangerous is when you become obsessed with dieting to the point where it crosses the line into becoming categorized as an eating disorder. According to eatingdisorderhope.org, one-third of women ages 18-25 suffer from eating disorders. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Women starve themselves to the point that they under eat or throw up in order to obtain the results they desire.

Enough is enough. Society tries to get us to adapt, however, the reality is that we need to stop trying to change who we are and accept the body we were born with. It isn’t normal for your ribs to be showing or for there to be a gap between your thighs. Embrace your thighs, love your curves and don’t hide your stomach. This summer my hope is that people can take off their cover-ups and be proud of the figure underneath.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Look in the mirror, you are God’s creation. Every inch of you is flawless. Not one part of you is a mistake. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

This summer don’t let your insecurities get the best of you. Love your body.