Life is not a photo shoot.

This summer, take the photo. Dance in the sun. Eat the meal. Say yes. And slowly, lovingly, begin to untangle the beliefs that ever dared to say you were not enough.

Photo Credit -Nubia Navarro

I feel like I’m constantly saying, “I can’t believe it’s July!” How did we get here?

Next week, we’re heading off on a six week adventure with the kids. The thoughts behind the packing have begun and I still don’t have a bikini yet.

Ah yes, the bikini season and baring the bod in the summer sun. What are your feelings about it?

I ask because, for many of us, especially those of us who are riding the hormonal rollercoaster, summer brings up more than just travel plans. It can bring up a playlist of old tunes and deep seated beliefs about how we’re meant to look, what’s acceptable, and even whether we’re "too old" for something as simple and joyful as wearing a bikini.

Over the weekend, my two and six year old spent most of their time dancing around the garden naked. Their freedom was pure joy and they are so happy in their fabulous bodies.

Do you remember the last time you liked your body? Maybe for you, it was your wedding day, or graduation or that summer of love music festival. For me there was a time in my late 20s.

My brain took a mental polaroid and plastered it to a pedestal. For a long time, every photo, every fitting room, every mirror became a silent comparison. The result? Disappointment and more times than I’d like to admit, the quiet grief of trying to chase that image.

Maybe you’ve felt that too.

I hear this a lot in my coaching sessions and emphasise. That feeling like you want to “get back” to that version of yourself. Waiting to book the holiday, or to be in the photo. If only you can get to xyz size and then you will say yes to that thing you really want.

Without realising it, you become stuck in life’s waiting room. Waiting to love your life until your body changes and that’s where we lose time we can’t get back.

Somewhere between growing up in the 90s wedged between Wonderbra, heroin chic and low rise jeans, something was lost. From that beautiful joy I see in my girls eyes and ease in their bodies, things got distorted with body comparisons and diet culture, which made us believe we had to shrink to be worthy.

But that story is tired and that belief is out of tune and needs to go.

Our bodies are allowed to change, it is certainly not a reflection of failure. It’s a reflection of living.

Today in this moment right now, you are the youngest you will ever be. When you look back in your 80s of photos of yourself, I bet it will be on how wonderful you are naturally but also all those things you can do with the body you have, the people around you, the opportunities and experiences around you.

That is the key to unlocking the waiting room door.

When you untangle the belief on your body and do the healing work, you realise that you have always been worthy and enough.

You start to experience the world around you. It’s like it is hyper focussed and so freeing. Feel the sand between your toes, swim in the sea with a new appreciation, eat the menu and be present with those you love, rather than focussing on your body.

At 44 my body is rounder and yes the bikini needs some sturdy straps and that ok with me. I’m more happier and confident in myself than I was in my 20s and I’m here in this moment.

This summer I invite you to step out of the waiting room. I lovingly invite you to stop hiding and covering up your glorious body. Life is precious, aging is a gift so stop waiting.

Let this be the summer you get in those pictures. The summer you wear that swim-ware with pride. This is the summer you stop apologising for your appearance when you meet up with friends.

Your body is your home and when we are at war with our body we are at war with ourselves. How about we call it a truce and get along.

Your body has carried you through the decades and deserves gratitude and not punishment.

Life is not a photoshoot. Your body is not a problem to be solved it’s the miracle that lets you live.

In the Tapping Reset we will be tapping on body confidence and giving you a summer boost. Members the link is on route. If you would like to join and try a free trial, hit reply before 9am tomorrow.

This summer, take the photo. Dance in the sun. Eat the meal. Say yes. And slowly, lovingly, begin to untangle the beliefs that ever dared to say you were not enough.

With love

Jo xxx