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Summer is just around the corner, and so the gyms are filling up and people are pounding the pavements, trying to get 'beach ready' and achieve the perfect 'bikini body.' Exercise is always a good habit to get into and should always be encouraged, but are these summer body goals really healthy ones?

These women are here to remind us that no matter what size or body type you are, you are is always ready for the beach, and every body is a bikini body if you are wearing a bikini. Chelsea Duarte, also known as Cococurve in the list below, gave us her take. “A bikini body is usually a goal for most women and they differ vastly, as women are very happy being all different shapes and sizes,” she told Bored Panda. “Your conventional magazine beautiful body is usually the first thought when trying to shape up for summer but that’s not desirable or achievable for all women. I have a plus size, large frame but my self-esteem in a bikini comes from within.”

“Growing up, I think every girl has body confidence issues but I told myself from a very young age to never hate myself. I always love whatever state my body forms to and respect myself. I don’t hate my body, I don’t give negativity the time of day. I do not follow the beauty trends depicted in social media. I can change if I want to but I’m happy the way I am. Young girls aren’t going to see me and want to aspire to be my size, but they may just learn to love and accept their natural beauty sooner when they see someone like me doing it.”

The fashion world is evolving and becoming more inclusive, with a huge variety of plus-size clothing now available and plus-size models encouraging women to embrace their curves. Chelsea finds the choices and freedom to express herself inspiring. She has taught herself self-love over the years, and chooses to treat her body as though it is a flower growing from a root. “You must take care of it, nourish it to grow, allow the elements to take control and always respect the time it takes to become really something special,” she told us. “Self hate only breeds more hate. No matter how your body forms or how much the ground has to bear of your weight, does it really matter? The heart is what makes you who you are.”

So join Chelsea and these other inspiring women as they explain why simply wearing a bikini is not an act of bravery, and why skin conditions, stretchmarks and cellulite are all part of being human and nobody should feel the need to cover themselves for the sake of others. Go to the beach full of joy and confidence this summer!

(h/t: Delish)

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Marika Stanway
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t think it’s anyone’s business but yours, if you want to wear bikini or not. My self confidence was destroyed a long time ago by a man and now social media and media in general are slowly chipping away what ever was left of it. Every day I wish SO hard, that I could just be a happy person and that this anxiety would just be a memory...

Beans
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, hang in there. You are a worthwhile person, and society be damned. You deserve to feel good about yourself every day. Don't let the bs get you down. Much hugs to you.

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Kimberly
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on every body positive thing that includes bigger people do people bring up "glorifying obesity" or something about how being overweight is unhealthy blah blah. Duh! You have to pretty much be living under a rock not to know that so I don't understand why people keep feeling the need to point it out. The health factor is not the point. Should we stop "glorifying" football? Concussions and injuries are a big issue. What about candy? There are still candy commercials on TV constantly. Fast food? I mean the list goes on. The point is accepting yourself for who you are in the present. Whether you are healthy or not is a separate issue altogether. And just be because you are weigh more than the person next to you does not mean that your health is definitely worse than theirs. There are a lot of different factors. Love yourself for who you are. Don't judge others on their appearance or anything else. You never know what's going on in someone else's life.

Barbara Finnegan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How funny!!!...I was on the pier watching these beauties take these pictures =) They were so happy and glowing...it was also freezing, so good on them again <3

Hilliary Smith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once again, these are adults. How about just saying be yourself! Without the qualification of be healthy, because that's not really your business.

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Crouching_Penn_Hidden_Teller@yahoo.com
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate people who use their damn phones to put down what other people look like. I wish they had never invented camera cel phones

Diane Lloyd
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It may sound corny, but the greatest beauty accessory EVER is a smile and ladies, you've got killer smiles~! First thing I noticed! Second thing was that yummy black and white striped number...gotta have it.

My O My
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep blowing them kisses! Who wouldn't want a kiss from you

Kent Burton
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am very thin, Wish I had curves & your courage. I cannnot imagine being so rude as to take pictures of you. Sometimes we forget that beauty and grace come from the inside. You go girl - Rose

Nicole Bowman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering the bikini was originally designed so *PREGNANT WOMEN* could go swimming, this stereo type about having to have this tiny, perfect, blah, blah body is *LUDICROUS* anyways!

Irene Walton
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6 years ago

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They are so unhealthy, why would anyone celebrate it?

Dani Rumold
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6 years ago

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Ohh look someone with a clear view on realities, thank you a lot.

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Gabriela Fiala
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6 years ago

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Morbid obesity should not be promoted. They eat too much and as a doctor,thanks to obesity people i have much more work,because they destroying their body and then complain,that at 40y old they joints hurt,they have difficult breathing etc. Not to mention infart or diabetes....

Stefanita Rares Dumitrescu
Community Member
6 years ago

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if you think being that obese is anywhere close to healthy then discussions are pointless.

Taryn Wallace
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only that but why the hell does it matter to you??? Are you one of those two women because unless you are you don't really need to have any opinion on them... if you dislike what they are preaching here's a thought...DON'T READ IT if you don't like their pictures....DON'T LOOK.

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MammaG
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your body is fine. Your suit is many sizes too small. It makes you look much heavier than you really are.

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MammaG
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus size? Sorry, but no. I bet you're not overweight on any medical chart.

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Mad Haberdasheress
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One summer I drew tiger stripes on my stretch marks, as I feel that they are marks of my strength and stamina. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of! Glitter, color, tattoos, whatever aids in you embracing your body and ALL of its features - whether others want to see them or not - you do it! It's YOUR body, love it for all its glory! <3

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Molly Block
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This photo is amazing! She looks perfect in that swimsuit. It was meant for her!

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Meowton Mewsk
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t care about her nutrition as long as she isn’t hurting anyone. She looks right for her swimsuit. And happy.

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Diane Lloyd
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot to mention that besides all the affirmations, you look G-D good in pink!!!

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Marcelle
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe she colored her stretch marks- like a fashion thing. They look different colors like make-up maybe.

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Eric Mikalo
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least i can relate to her statement. What matters is how one wears something, not just wearing it. you might look ridiculous trying to 'prove a point' while you could have worn something that you actually look good in.

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Yeetus Deletus
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5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she is absolutely beautiful! i'm glad that my fellow women are embracing our flaws as i have had body issues since i was 9

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Beth Arriaga
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love these posts. I love and envy their confidence. Due to medical reasons, I'm the opposite end of spectrum. I get told daily to 'eat a sandwich' and older ladies feel the need to pat me on the hand and say, 'honey, you're too thin, you don't look good and need to gain some weight.' Really!? I had no clue! I want to eat! I'd love to eat! But a sandwich doesn't fit in the feeding tube stuck in my side.... I'm not seeking sympathy, just wishing people understood that body shaming hurts no matter which end of the spectrum it is. I know I don't look healthy - I'm NOT healthy but I'm trying to get there. I'm too thin, and it's not attractive, I know that. You telling me to eat doesn't change anything. Just like telling someone NOT to eat doesn't change anything. Why can't we just be nicer to each other? Why is that so difficult?

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Celestial Lynx
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh how wonderfully beautiful she looks in that bikini! She makes IT look gorgeous (not the other way around) ☺

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Diane Lloyd
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine too! I LOVE to swim and hang out at the beach OR the pool. YAY summertime!!

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GalaxyInAJar
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You go, there shouldn't be such a problem with worrying about body image but I known we all do it and so do I, this is a wonderful and inspiring statement

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Eleanor Ragsdale
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the people who shame other's bodies had some compassion and saw this picture, they'd see a mom who loves her children, not a person whose body is wrong. I see a mother. You are wonderful no matter how you look, people love you just the same.

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pusheen buttercup
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG so true!!! People would tell me my whole life to smile, then when I gave them my natural, happy look, they told me to stop. Do they want a picture of a perfect you, or the actual you? I love photography, despite my negative experiences with it. And I won't force anyone to smile, because being told to smile now makes me frown. D:

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Janet Allison
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your statement makes me so sad. I agree that it is important to share pictures of bodies like yours (which is flawless btw!) but it saddens me that we need to make a point to share them. That anyone would be ashamed to share vacation pictures of themselves because some jerk along the way made them feel that their body was wrong. There will always be superficial jerks out there. We just need our positivity and acceptance to be louder than than the other c**p.

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pusheen buttercup
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got cellulite, stretch marks, but am not plus size and have not had children, it's good to get in some self confidence before I have to deal with tiny offspring. A thank you to these women for the reminders of what truly matters.

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