The sun is out, classes are finished, new fashion trends await, and the beaches and pools are practically calling us over. We can say that after the long and rigorous wait, summer is finally here. Despite the ongoing pandemic, people still made it a point to enjoy it while following the new standard protocols. We can never forget the horrendous ordeal we had to endure during last year’s strict lockdown measures that it is understandable to find means to hype up the summer of 2021. One of the ongoing trends in TikTok and other social media is the catchword “hot girl summer.” It originated from the rapper Megan Thee Stallion, and it is about displaying confidence while having fun and looking good while doing it.

Today’s teens made it become the go-to-phrase to showcase themselves throughout the internet with swag and style. Following the expression comes the stereotypical summer body. People take it as a compliment if you say that they have a summer body. For most, they identify it with a lean and flat stomach and a curvy body that accentuates your figure. Netizens cite that Kendall and Kylie Jenner are some of those people who have the perfect body for this summer. However, is that all to associate a summer body with? Yes, we cannot deny it is ideal for photos if you have a “model figure” with long legs and a runway-worthy body. But each of us has diverse body types that may not conform to society’s standards. Some of us have short legs with chubby stomachs. Some may even have a disability. But that does mean we do not have a summer body? The answer is NO.

Summer body is what you achieve if you already gain the confidence to flaunt all your being, whether good or bad, and be happy with it. It is all about bringing the best out of you, not needing to change your physical appearance. In other words, it is just a mindset. Whether you think that you have a summer body is up to you and not by the public.

So, what if you have rolls of fat? That does not make you any less compared to other girls. Many individuals tend to get discouraged whenever they see models being praised for having a summer body, which results in being heavily insecure with their bodies and questioning their self-worth. If you are one of these people, remember that social media does not rule our lives. What you see in the photos may be totally different in real life. What matters is what is around you and yourself. If you feel motivated to start working out, that is okay! As long as you are doing it for yourself and not for the beauty standards of this era. Avoid hating yourself and instead, love all your imperfections and self-doubts. As I said, it is hot girl summer. Do not be swayed by the pressures of achieving the perfect body since everyone is flawed in their own ways, and there will never be an actual definition for “the perfect body.”

So, buy that bikini, get the confidence to wear it, and flaunt it all over the world. Instead of getting the body that everybody likes, have a body that you feel is enjoyable and comfortable with.