Bikini Season Isn't the Issue, Our Self-Obsession Is

Every spring my inbox fills up with “Get Summer-Ready!” emails, and my social feed is practically shouting at me that I’ve got “about 17 days to become beach-body fabulous.” We all know the drill—“bikini body,” “summer body,” “toned arms in 10 days.” Some of us dive headfirst into that pressure, and others feel anxious just thinking about it. If you’re in that second camp, trust me, you’re not alone.
Let’s hit pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. And let’s have an honest conversation about all of this.
Here’s a truth I want you to hold onto: The real problem isn’t your thighs. It’s not your belly. It’s not your bikini.
The real issue? It’s our obsession with ourselves—our bodies, our appearances, our “perfection.”
From Self-Care to Self-Obsession
Let’s be real: Society has us convinced that the second the sun comes out, we need a complete makeover. We go from just living our lives to scrutinizing every inch of ourselves—our size, our softness, our symmetry… It’s all on display for an audience of one: ourselves.
But what if, instead of obsessing over how we look, we asked ourselves a different question?
What do we really want to do this summer?
Do we want to swim, surf, lounge, chase our kids, hop on a boat, dive into the ocean, soak up the sun like a Mediterranean queen—and just feel free in our own skin?
Sounds perfect to me!
Now, ask yourself: What kind of swimsuit do I need to do those things comfortably, confidently, and without self-torture?
Function Over Flex
We’ve all seen her—the girl in the killer heels, snapping gorgeous photos, then hobbling barefoot halfway through the night. Cute? Eh, debatable. Comfortable? Nope. Memorable? Absolutely—but probably for the wrong reasons.
The same goes for swimwear.
Don’t pick the suit that makes you squeeze, suck in, and miss out on the fun. Pick the one that lets you live. Whether that’s a full-coverage rash guard with biker shorts (hello, my family’s trips to Australia!) or a tiny two-piece—if you feel good in it, that’s the right choice.
I’ve worn a fully covered suit because I didn’t want to jiggle, I didn’t want to hide indoors, and I wasn’t about to miss the experience. Plus, it’s fantastic for sun protection—and honestly, it made me feel confident and free.
Let Go of the Gaze
Here’s a secret: The only person judging your body—more often than not—is you.
Ever notice how women in France and Italy just own their bodies? A 75-year-old woman strutting across the beach in her bikini, soaking up the sun without a care in the world because she knows she owes no one an explanation.
Channel that. Admire that. And while you’re at it, smile like she does.
Bikini Body = Body + Bikini
That’s the math. Your body is already summer-ready. It just needs the right attitude, and maybe the right suit.
So go ahead, invest in swimwear that suits you. Better yet, pick out more than one! One for lounging, one for swimming, maybe one for chasing kids or paddle boarding. Your water adventures are different, and your wardrobe should reflect that. Remember, your partner doesn’t ask you for permission before they buy another golf club or pair of sneakers. Don’t play the martyr. This is your summer, and it’s short—so make it count.
Now, Here’s the Part Where I Get a Little Sassy and a Lot Excited
As a mom of a large family (think: chaos, chaos, and more chaos), I’ve learned a thing or two about confidence, resilience, and how to keep my sanity. I want to share that with you. Trust me, if I can navigate a family of seven, you can absolutely rock your summer—and your life—without losing your mind or your sense of humor.
So, if you want more tips, laughs, and honest talk from an entrepreneurial mama who’s been through it all, follow me on Instagram @quinn.vise! Send me a DM, because I genuinely care about your journey. I love connecting with women who are ready to ditch the shame and embrace their talents, living a life of no regrets.
Stop standing on the shoreline, worrying about how you look. Wear whatever helps you forget about those distractions. Jump in the water. Dance on the dock. French kiss while canoodling under the beach umbrella. Laugh loudly. Live fully. This is your season to shine—body, swimsuit, and all.
🤍,
Quinn
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