Self Love

Summer is coming up.. or should I say it's here already?! Although in the UK it certainly doesn't feel like it today!

The season where people actually begin to work and tone themselves for that 'Bikini bod.' What even is a Bikini bod?

How to wear a bikini:

1. Own a bikini

2. Wear the bikini.

Ta - da!

Below is a Vlog with Yoga girl Rachel Brathen. It's from 2 years ago, but a subject which is vital and essential to be educated on throughout life.

Rachel talks about loving your body and appreciating ones self.

I wrote a post on eating disorders a while back when it was NEDW, touching upon some of these issues but felt it important to once again bring this up and share it with you guys.

The key to ANYTHING is being happy. Happiness is the way forward.

By becoming a size 0, you will not achieve happiness because you are tricking the mind into always wanting more and more and more. Happiness won't be there because you are not being present. You might lose those 10 pounds, but your mind will find something else to be unhappy about. Something else that has to be different. Changed.

Perhaps you think people will value you more as you look (in your mind) prettier in pictures? People don't care that much. They are too self involved in their lives to care.

Body dysmorphia is something many struggle with. BDD is a mental disorder where our vision of ourselves is severely distorted.

Find your passion, live your dreams, be creative, find love. This is real happiness.

Watch the video and see for yourself how this wonderful role model speaks to the 16 year old who wrote to her.

It's beautiful, and sexy to have curves.

Set yourself a goal everyday to write the 5 positives of your day.

Look in the mirror and smile.

Be gentle to yourself.

Your body does not define YOU. Your soul does.

Once you begin to be happy and feel present in life, things will begin to shift ever so slightly. I and several people I know can vouch for this. As one becomes at peace and accept the way one is, changes occur. When you do sport/ fitness classes you should be doing these in your mind to keep yourself healthy and well. Thats the goal and aim of it.

Be super mindful about every move you make when exercising too. Envision the muscles you are using and smile. Give energy to the parts of the body you are working. Trust me. The difference is immense.

This is from speaking from someone who has had and still struggles with various health bits. CFS being one of them.

From being an incredibly sporty and fitness obsessed gal who used to Row several days a week and compete various weekends, play bundles of Tennis, take dance classes and spend half her life in the Gym to someone who lacks the energy she should 100% have at this age, facing a mental challenge every day.

What do you do with yourself you might ask? Keep going. Keep positive. In the words of Ben Howard: Keep your head up, heart strong. This energy will be returned to me one day. Baby steps.

I may not have the same abs I did a few years ago (honestly feels like yesterday..) or those incredibly toned arms, but this is something I am working on. Little by little, it'll come back. Baby Steps.

I believe in myself and have a strong will power. Once I get something in my head, that's it. I will go for it. Baby Steps.

The reason I am saying all this is because I can completely relate to the 16 year old girl who is struggling. We probably all have one of those within us, but its OK. Share your stories, keep open and connected with the public. As my close gal pals and I always used to say in Uni: "Sharing is caring."

E ve r y t h i ng w i l l b e A - OK.

Remember::::: Girls compete, women empower one other.

Stick together, support one another and stay strong. Please do share your stories!