Let it Go (even your tummy)

I’m on holiday right now.

The sun’s blazing.

The kids are doing alot of swimming.

It should be relaxing.

But I’ve noticed something -

I’ve caught myself sucking in my tummy.

Like all the time.

Not for a photo.

Not because anyone’s looking.

Just… doing it. Automatically.

Like my body doesn’t know how to relax anymore.

And it’s not just that.

There’s this weird mental loop I get into on holiday.

“I’ll eat healthier.”

“I’ll reset.”

But I don’t.

I eat what I want.

And then feel guilty.

And then plan to “be better” tomorrow.

Classic punishment-reward cycle.

It’s a strange pressure, isn’t it?

You’re in the sun. You’re meant to be unwinding.

But your brain’s still keeping score.

Bikini on?

Better brace.

Better stand a certain way.

Better flatten the belly, just in case.

But this week, I had a moment.

Watching the kids splash around, carefree.

Bellies out. Full of joy.

And I thought - why am I tensing?

Why can’t I just… sit here, soft?

Why do I feel like I need to be better even now?

With summer coming up, this stuff creeps in.

All those old messages.

"Get beach-body ready."

“Stay on track.”

"Balance it out."

It’s exhausting.

And totally unnecessary.

So here’s what I’m reminding myself.

Your body is not a project.

You don’t need to shrink.

You don’t need to suck it in.

You need to breathe.

Let your belly rise and fall.

Let your body just be.

If this stuff’s hard for you too, you’re not alone.

I follow a few brilliant people who help me keep my head straight:

@charlottemelkiofficial

@slexlight_ldn

@beauty_redefined

They talk about body image in a way that feels kind.

Like a voice of reason when your brain gets noisy.

So if you’re heading into summer already bracing-pause.

You don’t need to fix anything.

You get to enjoy this season as you are.

Soft belly. Strong sun. Big joy.

Let’s not miss it.

Kim