What I found interesting was, just this morning on my way into work I got lost in my thoughts. I was thinking about myself, my body, my hair, just me. I am comfortable in my own skin. I am happy with myself. I am happy with my body, my face, my life, everything. I don’t know why on earth I was thinking these things, but I was. So, when that conversation happened, I laughed in my head because that’s how he views me. That’s how many others probably view me. But, that’s not how I view me.
I am 5’2”. I fit size 14 jeans loosely and size 12 jeans very snugly. So, I’m a 13 , technically. Try finding that size in a store. When I first started working in this office 6 years ago, I was probably between a 10 and 12 and 30 lbs lighter. I did have a baby 2 years ago which is really no excuse, or is it? My current size is the biggest (non-prego) I’ve ever been my entire life. And I’m ok with it. I have accepted my physical body in its current state. Of course, like any normal human being, I am critical of certain parts of my body. My arms are big. My stomach isn’t flat. My butt could use some “poofing”. But who doesn’t criticize themselves? All of these things are influenced by what we see and what we/society finds acceptable. You don’t have to be skinny or trim to be happy. Though, exercise is good for you and your body. Being stagnant isn’t.
When I went to the bathroom after that conversation, I stopped to look at myself in the mirror. An almost full length mirror. Something I don’t have in my house because all our closet doors have been replaced with drapes. I looked at my figure and thought, “A big person, huh?” and shrugged it off.
The moral of this blog: Don’t allow the perceptions of others define you. You cannot control others and their thoughts about who you are. That is their issue, not yours. Be true to you and always be positive. Not just in thinking but in your actions.
Besides, I’m not fat. I’m voluptuous. Mwah!
Happy Aloha Friday!