How is everyone’s Summer going so far???

Mine is…well…going?

I can’t believe it’s already August. You all know that I love Summer, hate Winter, blah blah blah blah, but I am legit sad about Summer ending this year.

2016 has been rough. From personal issues to society issues, this year has just been such a downer. And warm weather the last few months has been 2016’s only saving grace.

I can’t imagine having to put a winter coat back on while simultaneously dealing with the election. Or the refugee crisis. Or gun violence and our country’s disgusting inability to pass any meaningful gun control legislation. Or hearing about another black person murdered by law enforcement. Or dealing with fat-shaming trolls, or men who don’t believe we need feminism.

(I’m laughing here but I’m crying inside.)

(Smiling as I watch the end of humanity.)

I read something online the other day that said:

If you want to fuck up your life, 2016 won’t judge.

Welp! At least I’m not the only one who feels like 2016 is in the gutter!

OK OK, I know I’m totally trashing on this year. I guess it hasn’t been alllllllllll that bad to be honest.

I still totally love my job, so going to work doesn’t suck my soul every day. I went to Jamaica a few weeks ago (BY MYSELF!), and also went Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year. I was on Good Morning America (even though we all know how that went LOL), and I’ve made some incredible friends and connections in the body positive community that have helped me feel less alone on this feminist wave I’m riding.

I’ve also received some really amazing messages lately on my Instagram from people who say my words have helped them confront their eating disorders or body image issues. It feels SO GOOD to get a message like that from someone I never would have met if it weren’t for social media.

So you can bash social media all you want, but it has helped me connect with thousands of people who are all looking and wanting for the same thing:

To feel good, to love themselves, and to find a safe space that focuses on spreading empathy and awareness to anyone who will listen.

It’s tough because I still want to post my sexy fashion pics, which at times I think counteract my message unless you know me or have been following me for a while.

But you know what?

I’m doing my best, and that’s all I can really ask of myself.

Because in 2016, doing your best is pretty damn good.

And remember, if you want to fuck up your life, now’s the time to do it ;)

LATER DUDES,

XX-HOTPANTS

Wearing

Lipstick : Buxom True Nude Lip in Bare / Dress : Forever 21 / Sunglasses and Backpack : Vintage / Handpiece : Fortune Favors The Brave / Choker : Etsy / Shoes : MIISTA

Photography : Melodie Jeng