Summer of Self: Growing, Learning, and Loving Every Flaw

Hi, friends. Did you miss me? I’ve been off the grid for a bit—four months, to be exact. But don't worry, I wasn’t ghosting you; I was deep in the creative trenches, writing a book that’s finally out in the world. Now that I’m back, let’s talk about something a little more personal: growth.

This summer has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—think highs that had me floating and lows that brought me crashing back to earth. It’s been a season of learning, not just about the world, but about myself. Spoiler alert: life isn’t just about getting that summer body; it’s about loving the body you’re in, even when it’s not exactly bikini-ready.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent way too many summers obsessing over how I look rather than how I feel. This time, I decided to flip the script. Instead of chasing the perfect abs, I’ve been chasing something more elusive—self-acceptance. And let me tell you, it's been a lot harder than hitting the gym. But every day, I’m learning that it’s okay to love myself now, flaws and all, instead of waiting for some mythical "perfect" version of me to appear.

So here’s my question to you: What if we all stopped waiting for the "perfect" moment, the "perfect" body, the "perfect" life? What if we just started loving where we are right now? Because, darling, that’s the real glow-up—when you realize that you’re already enough, just as you are.

Let’s make this summer not about how we look, but about how we grow. After all, the best kind of sexy is the kind that comes from within.

But let’s be real—self-love isn’t something you just wake up with one morning, like a new pair of shoes delivered overnight. It’s a practice, a journey, and sometimes, a struggle. There are days when I look in the mirror and see every flaw in high definition. But then, there are moments when I catch a glimpse of something else—strength, resilience, the kind of beauty that comes from living fully and authentically.

This summer has taught me that growth isn’t always about becoming something new; sometimes, it’s about stripping away all the layers that no longer serve us. It’s about letting go of the need to be perfect and embracing the messiness of life. Trust me, there’s a certain kind of freedom in saying, "This is who I am, take it or leave it."

And let’s talk about that inner glow. You know, the one that doesn’t come from bronzer or a week in the sun, but from doing the hard work on yourself. It’s the glow that comes from finally setting boundaries, from saying no to things that drain you, and yes to things that fill you up. It’s about learning to be your own best friend, your own cheerleader, and realizing that the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life.

So as summer winds down, I want to leave you with this: Make a little room for yourself. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem. Be kind to yourself on the days when you’re struggling. And remember, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. So, start making it a priority. You deserve it.

Now, let’s raise a glass (or a green juice, if that’s more your style) to growing, learning, and loving—one beautifully imperfect day at a time. Cheers to you, and cheers to the journey.

Xoxo,

Victoria S