I’m starting to see a lot of bathing suit advertisements. This used to be a terrible reminder that my body wasn’t where I wanted it to be.

The Internet soothed some of the agony of actual bathing suit-shopping. It’s much less painful trying on those innocent-looking torture devices in the privacy of your own home, but your morale can still take a hit. (Is anyone else amazed that such small pieces of material require such contortion to maneuver in and out of?)

While I am much, much kinder and more appreciative of my body then I used to be, I still catch myself judging specific body parts, and feeling insecure in any swimsuit that doesn’t have shorts or a skirt to camouflage trouble spots.

In our action-oriented society, people often just focus on diet and exercise to get bathing-suit ready. The problem is, unless we shift the underlying thoughts, emotions, and beliefs at the same time, you will probably struggle to meet your goals—and most likely won’t be able to maintain them.

When you take into consideration the Foundation Principle that “Energy Attracts Like Energy,” also known as the Law of Attraction, focusing on illness, being out of shape, and hating our bodies is actually taking us in the opposite direction of where we want to go.

Not only will shifting your negative thoughts enough to attain a feeling of relief turbo-charge your wellness actions, it enables you to feel better right now. And the better you feel about yourself, the better you look—and the more fun you allow yourself to have. That in turn boosts your ability and desire to stick to your plan to eat healthy and move your body, and the next thing you know, you are in a positive, anabolic energy spiral that is helping you meet your goals.

How do you make that change? Here are five tips for shifting your thoughts to improve your feelings about the upcoming swimsuit season.

1. Practice “new” thoughts using affirmations, such as “I appreciate that my body is healthy, and that I am present and enjoying this moment,” or “I am fit, strong, and lean, getting fitter, stronger, and leaner.” Create or choose an affirmation that makes you viscerally feel better.

2. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about your body, shift your attention to other parts you can appreciate. For me, shifting my focus from my belly to my legs feels better.

3. Think about the love that All-That-Is (God, the Universe, Source Energy, Higher Coach—whatever works for you) has for you and your magnificent body.

4. Recognize that your body is a gift for which it is appropriate to be grateful.

5. Appreciate the healthy food and exercise you are doing and how that is helping you create the fit, strong, and healthy body you desire.

Pay attention to those habitual patterns of negative thoughts that you have about your body and your life. How can you consciously shift your thoughts so that you feel a sense of relief? What can you do to practice those new thoughts? What difference do you think that might have in your ability to achieve your goals?

Together we can do it!

Photo by Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net