In a recent post, a mom proudly displayed her toned abs in front of the mirror, captioning it with a call to action: “No excuses.” She shared her belief that with diligence and determination, every mother can achieve a body like hers.
As I read this, I felt a wave of frustration. These “What’s Your Excuse?” messages are not only insensitive but also exploit our insecurities. They reinforce the narrative that we are inadequate, that our bodies don’t measure up, and that we should hide away until we reach an unrealistic standard of perfection. It’s no wonder that so many women dread summer and the thought of wearing swimsuits. We imagine the judgment of others, questioning, “What’s your excuse?” It can be difficult to silence that inner critic.
During the summer months, we should practice kindness towards ourselves. Instead, we often impose unattainable expectations. We tell ourselves that we’ll be content when we reach a specific weight or size. Worse yet, we avoid swimming or summer activities entirely because we don’t feel “beach ready.”
A simple search for “beach-ready body” yields a plethora of unrealistic headlines: “Get a Pool-Ready Stomach,” “5 Weeks to a Bikini Body,” or “10 Exercises to Get Swimsuit Ready Overnight.” With such negative messaging, it’s no surprise that many of us hesitate to slip into our swimsuits. I bear the marks of motherhood—stretch marks, a soft stomach, and my clothing size fluctuates between 14 and 16. Despite being fit and strong, I’ve struggled with my self-image. After nearly 40 years, I’ve come to recognize that my value as a woman and a mother is not dictated by my size. Yet, those headlines and “No excuses” messages still make me question my worth.
What I longed for was an article that boldly stated, “Hey Mama, just be you. Your body is perfect for the beach.” Since such a message is hard to find, I’ll say it clearly: Your body is the perfect beach body. You are swimsuit-ready just as you are—no special diets or extreme workouts required. Embrace who you are, wear your swimsuit, and enjoy the pool or beach. When we love our bodies as they are, we set a powerful example for our children.
Imagine what we could achieve if we silenced the self-critical voices. What if, instead of shaming each other, we uplifted one another? What if we shifted the conversation away from body image and toward shared experiences? What if we recognized that there is no single standard for beauty and instead celebrated our unique bodies?
Moreover, what if we stopped perpetuating the myth that diets or specific exercise regimens could transform us into a particular ideal? Let’s show ourselves grace and recognize the strength our bodies have shown through the journey of motherhood. What if more women confidently wore their swimsuits, stepped into the front of exercise classes, or simply donned shorts and sleeveless tops?
There is no single ideal body type. No woman should feel compelled to conform to a specific appearance in order to feel whole or beach-ready. You are not broken; you are enough. Your body deserves to be seen and celebrated at the beach or pool. Your body is already swimsuit-ready, and your kids are waiting for you to join them.
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Summary
It’s essential for women to embrace their bodies and reject unrealistic beauty standards, especially during summer. The narrative around needing a “perfect” beach body causes unnecessary shame and self-doubt. Instead, we should celebrate our unique bodies and recognize that we are all swimsuit-ready just as we are.
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