THE NEW HOT GIRL SUMMER

Life is short, eat the bacon.

Ever since I was a young girl, this is what my mother would tell me. And no, not literally, unless you like bacon of course. I mean figuratively. Like passing a bakery while window shopping in town. Shelves lined with fresh pastries, cinnamon rolls and doughnuts. It smells like heaven. But you’re trying to be good, limit your caloric intake and prep for the summer body you dream of. I get it, I’m guilty of it. But you are good, you’re doing so well. Go in and get the treat. Maybe you walk down the street, and see a pair of shoes on display that are simply perfect. Just effortlessly beautiful. Why not buy them? You know how much you’ll wear them. What about your gym crush, spotted over there by the treadmills? Go over and let them know how you feel. Screw it, what do you have to lose? The worst they say is no, big whoop. They weren’t good enough for you anyway, I promise.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that one day, we won’t be able to do any of this. Of course, everything in moderation. But every now and then, it’s important to indulge. To be a little selfish and take care of yourself. To step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. To be different. Life is too short to refrain from doing things that make you happy. Or move you forward. Beating around the bush is so last year. It’s time to go after what you want. None of that straight and narrow bullshit. Let’s live a little and have some fun on this big floating rock.

Let’s break it down a little further. Switch gears, if you will. Social media is great. It has become a powerhouse, and a massive vehicle for people to share their lives with the world. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy we have this ability to touch lives and share our moments with others, from the press of a button or a swipe on a screen. But it can also be burdensome, mentally. Placing such unrealistic expectations of how we should live, and even what a body should look like. I’ve been drained by this time and time again. The dark side of the media, engraining such skewed perceptions into young minds. The VSCO girls, with long thick hair, sun kissed skin and tiny little stomachs. The LA influencers, with editing apps and plastic alterations, only to swear they’re 100% natural. Brands like Brandy Melville and John Galt, advertising their one size fits all motto. It’s crap. Do they even understand how that makes people feel? How can anyone expect one single piece of rigid polyester fabric to fit all body types? It simply cannot, just as it shouldn’t.

And of course, we’re making countless strides in getting over this social media bias. Companies and brands have begun promoting body positivity, and encourage inclusion. Encouraging originality, and expression. To express your viewpoints, values, culture, hobbies, passions, ethnic background, and every facet of yourself. Show the love and respect for yourself that you give to others. And for that I am so proud.

But I can’t help but write this passage for those who starve themselves, physically and mentally. Starvation from being their best selves. Who torment their body and mental well being into believing they should look a certain way. Be a certain way. My heart hurts to think about them, because they are so beautiful. So smart and capable of everything. What if we all looked the same anyway? How boring would that be. Uniqueness is special.

The reason I write this is because I was that girl. Sometimes, I am still that girl. But from spiraling, I came to this realization and am making strides to strengthen myself. To realize my power and all that I am capable of. To leave this trance I’ve been in for years, worrying about what others think or say about me. To love myself, my own skin. To realize that God, evolution, or whatever higher power you believe in, intended every body to be different. Beautiful in their own way. So I’m working hard to suppress the bullshit that floats in my head. To stop comparing myself to these social media socialites, models, and VSCO girls. To start surrounding myself with positive influencers, the Indy Blue’s of the world. Media and brands that promote originality. Promote strength, and notice the power you have within.

My mother used to read this book to me, titled ‘You are Special’. It’s a story of wooden people called Wemmicks. Everyday the Wemmicks walk around with shiny yellow stars to flaunt their beauty and ability to do amazing things. Black dots were given to Wemmicks that failed or did things wrong. They were only special if they had the brains, the looks, and the talent. One character in particular struggles because he does not look or act like the others in town. He marches to the beat of his own drum. The character becomes close with the wood maker, the creater of all Wemmick people. This creator not only reminds us that we are original, but to embrace it. Own it. That although others may not see the beauty in you, there will be always people who do. People who see you, and connect with your thoughts. To know you are special, just because. No qualifications necessary. No two people are the same, not even identical twins.

So no, you are not them - and that’s the very beauty of it. Because you have something that no one else has. Everyone has that one thing. Own that. Explore it and love yourself. Love the comfort of your own space. The clothes you walk in. The air you breathe. Don’t let society tell you what you should or should not do. Because it’s all crap. So eat the bacon, take a few risks, and march to your own beat. Be unapologetically you.

And that to me is a hot girl summer.