Thinkspiration Thursdays: How to Feel Your Best at the Beach This Summer

The author, pictured in one of her first "big girl" swimsuits. Even Minnie Mouse floaties can be stylish when you've got confidence.

By Rachel & the thinkThin® team

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You’ve all seen her. That beautiful girl in the blue bikini. It’s that sexy smile and stunning posture that makes her stand out from the rest. But it’s not from the hours she puts into her gym routine or the healthy recipes she cooks up every week, it’s all in her confidence.

I’ve been swimming competitively since before I could talk back to my parents, so being in a swimsuit has never caused me great anxiety. I feel more normal strutting around in a two piece than office clothes, but that’s just me. But for the longest time, I did not feel comfortable wearing a dress. As an athlete in high school and college, I was constantly reminded that femininity was something weak, something that had to overcome in order to go faster and get stronger. So I rebelled against dresses, skirts and anything pink. Anytime that I tried on a dress, I thought my upside-down-triangle-swimmer-frame looked ridiculous.

Over the years, after my twice a day workouts ended, and my identity as a “swimmer” expanded — I learned that it was not my body that made the dresses look silly, it was my confidence. When I finally embraced my closeted girly-ness, my posture improved, my head was held high and I learned to love my swimmer shoulders. They’re original. They remind me that I am strong, healthy, powerful and they look awful cute in summer dresses — even pink ones. So whatever your issues may be with your body, learn to embrace them. Stand tall, put on a smile, rock that string bikini or mini dress, and carry on with confidence.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us about a time when your confidence was challenged and how you pulled through. We’ll choose one winner to receive a free beach friendly water bottle, sun protective baseball hat and box of Crunch bars. Good luck!