Mirror, Mirror: Redefine How You See Yourself
Summer may be on its way out, but if there’s one thing that’s really struck a chord during these months of sun and fun, it’s…the mirror.
We’ve all been there–standing in front of our reflections, nitpicking every little detail instead of giving ourselves the credit and the grace we deserve.
Chasing after an unrealistic idea of “perfection” can be mentally exhausting, especially when it comes to something as personal as baring your body on the beach.
And although the days are getting cooler and we’re starting to trade swimsuits for sweaters, our insecurities aren’t swimming away! We’re still standing in front of the mirror feeling less than, no matter the season…
But what if we swapped out self-criticism for a little self-love and confidence?
At Change of Scenery, we’re all about making every woman feel like the goddess she is—whether she’s lounging by the pool or just enjoying everyday life. In this post, we’re diving into why body image can be such a struggle, sharing expert tips to boost your swimsuit confidence, and exploring how a little positive self-talk can go a long way.
Understanding Body Image Struggles
We’ve all had those mirror moments where we focus way too much on what we think are our flaws. But why is body image such a struggle for so many of us? We asked Behavioral Psychiatrist Dr. Tamar Katz, MD, PhD, an Adult and Child Psychiatrist at Boston Children's Hospital, to shed some light.
Dr. Katz explains:
"Our brains are wired from childhood to seek social acceptance. This primes us to care deeply about others' opinions from a very early age. While this helps us form relationships, it also makes us vulnerable to seeking external validation. Consumer society capitalizes on this, teaching girls that their worth is tied to their appearance and having the 'right' products."
And it's not just about looks! Dr. Katz adds:
"In today's social media-driven world, we're bombarded with visual content that doesn't reflect a person's true self. Platforms like Instagram show carefully curated moments, often presenting an unrealistic or even fake version of reality. This constant exposure to seemingly perfect images can fuel insecurity and make us hyper-focused on our appearance, rather than valuing ourselves as a whole person."
Celebrating the Stories Our Bodies Tell
Our bodies are more than what we see—they’re living, breathing diaries of our lives. Each curve, line, and scar tells a story of what we’ve been through, the hurdles we’ve cleared, and the moments that shaped us. Sure, our bodies change over time, but those changes are a reflection of love, laughter, and growth–memories that have brought us joy or insight, not imperfections.
Every stretch mark, wrinkle, or squishy spot is proof of our resilience. These aren’t things to hide—they’re milestones to honor. Beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s in how we live, how we age gracefully, and the confidence we carry.
Hi, it’s natural for our bodies to change–we’re not supposed to look 20 when we’re 40!
Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap
In a world full of Instagram-filter perfection, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. But when we compare ourselves to others, we forget our own beauty and worth. (And remember—everyone has their own struggles and insecurities, even the women whose bodies we put on a pedestal as “perfect.”)
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we should look a certain way, especially when our social media feeds are filled with flawless bodies, glowing skin, and picture-perfect lives. But what we often forget is that we’re only seeing a tiny, filtered piece of the story. We don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes—what struggles or insecurities are hidden behind the Instagram-perfect poses, filters, and touch ups. This can make us feel inadequate, as if we’re somehow falling short in comparison, even though those comparisons aren’t based on reality.
Instead of measuring ourselves against others, let’s focus on what makes us unique. . Our individuality is defined not just by our appearance, but by our talents, passions, and experiences. When we shift our attention to our own personal journey, we can break free from the trap of comparison and fully embrace the confidence that comes from loving ourselves as we are.
The Power of Positive Self-Talk
One of the best ways to boost body image? Positive self-talk. We’re often so hard on ourselves, but what if we spoke to ourselves like we’d talk to a friend?
Swapping out negative thoughts for affirmations like “I am strong,” “I am beautiful,” or “I deserve to enjoy this day” can make all the difference.
Dr. Katz emphasizes the power of this approach:
"The key is to envision yourself as already being the person you want to be. Instead of seeing self-love as a distant goal, adopt the mindset of 'I am that confident person; I just need to express it better.' When you mentally embody the self-assured individual who feels great in a swimsuit and loves themselves at any size, you're much more likely to become that person. This mindset makes self-acceptance feel within reach and attainable."
Your Body: The Unsung Hero
Let's face it, ladies – our bodies are basically superheroes. When that pesky self-doubt starts creeping in (we've all been there), take a moment to high-five your amazing body. Think about it: those legs have power-walked you through countless Target runs, those arms have juggled grocery bags like a pro, and don't even get us started on the miracle of growing tiny humans!
Positive self-talk isn't about slapping on a fake smile and ignoring areas where you want to level up. It's more like being your own cheerleader instead of that overly critical coach. So next time you catch yourself in front of the mirror, try throwing yourself a wink and a "You've got this, hot stuff!" Trust us, it's way more fun than the alternative!
Treat yourself with the kindness you deserve.
Swimsuit Shopping: From Dressing Room Dread to Beach Confidence
Let's talk swimsuits – and no, we don't mean that dusty one-piece hiding in the back of your drawer since 2010! Finding the right swimsuit isn't just about covering your bits; it's about uncovering your inner beach goddess! Finding a swimsuit that makes you feel good can be a game-changer.
Jamie Banks, founder of Change of Scenery and swimwear fairy godmother to countless women, spills the tea:
"It's all about the right size and fit. When you feel great in your swimsuit, you'll be strutting down that beach like it's your personal runway.
Think about it: when your dress fits just right, you're unstoppable at that work presentation. When your jeans hug you perfectly, lunch with the girls becomes a mini fashion show. And when you find that dream swimsuit? Trust me, you'll be living your best vacation life.
Picture this: You're strolling down the beach, feeling like a million bucks in your perfect-fit suit. Suddenly, you're not worried about Instagram angles or strategic sarong placement. Instead, you're making sandcastles with the kids, saying 'yes' to that beach volleyball game, and photobombing your husband's sunset pics – all while rocking that confidence!
Change of Scenery Founder Jamie Banks with her daughter (9) and son (5)
"My favorite feedback? It's when a client texts me: 'Jamie, I just had the BEST vacation ever! I didn't waste a single minute feeling self-conscious. I was too busy living it up!' Now that's what I call swimsuit success.”
Jamie encourages experimenting with different styles and sizes:
“You might be surprised—sometimes the style or size you think is right isn’t the one that makes you feel your best. Trust the try-on process and have fun with it.”
Modeling Confidence for the Next Generation
Left: Dana Arschin with her daughter age 2, Right: Jill Fisher with her daughters aged 12 and 9
How we see ourselves isn't just about us—it shapes how our kids see themselves too. And here's the kicker: children don’t learn as much from what we say as they do from what they observe.
As Dr. Katz points out:
“For kids, a big part of their social network is their family. What kids observe socially—the patterns they see at home—has much more influence on them than what you say.
I know a lot of women work on their kids' positive self-image, but then the same kid sees their mother in front of the mirror saying, ‘Ugh, I look fat,’ which literally undoes all the positive work.”
Let's face it, kids are experts at tuning out our lectures, but they never miss a thing when it comes to what we do. If they see us constantly criticizing our own appearance, they’ll learn to do the same. Dr. Katz warns:
“One comment like ‘I hate my stomach’ can undo hours of positive self-talk. They learn from watching you."
The most attractive thing is a woman who loves herself
Think about it: the women we love hanging out with aren’t our friends because they look perfect in a swimsuit—they’re the fun, confident ones who light up a room. “If they gained 10 lbs, you would still want to hang out with them. It doesn’t make them less fun. The more you love yourself, the more kids see that, and the more they love you," says Dr. Katz. "So, the most important thing is for women to model self-love through their actions."
And here’s a tip for the next time you feel down about your appearance: remember:
“People often misunderstand the scale—it’s designed to measure weight, not self-worth.”
Jamie adds, “Even if you’re not feeling 100%, stand tall, smile, and remember you’re beautiful just as you are. Your daughter will learn to do the same.”
So, let’s show our kids what self-confidence really looks like—by living it ourselves.
Jamie Banks on vacation with her daughters aged 11 and 9
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Reflection
Confidence isn’t about having the “perfect” body—it’s about loving the one you’ve got. With the right swimsuit, a little self-love, and a lot of confidence, you can see yourself in a whole new light.
At Change of Scenery, we’re here to support you on your journey to self-love. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect swimsuit or just need a reminder to embrace your reflection, we’ve got your back. We could always use the reminder, too.
Stand tall when you look in that mirror–smile! And remember: You. Are. Beautiful. 🌸
What are your thoughts on body image and confidence? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s continue this important conversation together.
Have questions or need more personalized tips? Drop us a message at hello@shopchangeofscenery.com. We love to help!
Feeling fabulous? Share your vacation snapshots with us! DM us on IG @shopchangeofscenery or tag us for a chance to be featured.