Let's talk a little bit about body image, negative body image to be specific. This is something that I have struggled with most of my life. Even as a kid. And in a world where Kate Upton and Jennifer Lawrence are considered fat it's no wonder that other people are struggling with the same problem. Fortunately there are a few brave souls that are starting to push back against the bullies, haters and social media saying, with pride "I am beautiful! No mater what size I am!" One of these pioneers is Tess Holiday. Tess is leading the the positive body image campaign and has become the largest plus size model to sign a major modeling contract. She is a stunning beauty who hopes to spread a positive body image and self-confidence worldwide through her campaign #effyourbeautystandards (EYBS). Another beauty pushing the limits is Ashley Graham, who at a size 16 will be appearing in Sports Illustrated's famous swimsuit edition. Graham is featured in the ad for swimsuitsforall, which is the first time SI will incorporate a campaign for plus size swimwear. There is also the beautiful and talented Megan Trainor, who laid it all out there with her break out hit "All About the Bass." Reminding us that no matter what the Internet, TV, or magazines say, we are all perfect "from the bottom to the top."
It's refreshing and inspiring to see these women break through the negative stigmas attached to larger sizes. And it has had me doing a lot of thinking lately. While it is important to be confident in who you are and how you look, why am I so crazy about losing weight?!? If I love my body, why do I want to make it smaller? It just didn't make sense to me.
But then I realized something. I realized that I love my body and I want to improve my health. My body is frickin' fabulous and curvy and strong! But my health needs a little work. I also realized that I will never look like Kate Upton, or Megan Trainor, or Ashley Graham, because I am Melinda. And I have Melinda's body. One of my bosses told me when she hired me that she hired me because of my size. She wants the people taking the classes to see that you can be fit at any size. It was one of the nicest compliments I have ever received. And it helped me realize that I shouldn't hold myself back.
If you know me, you know I love to dance and not just in the clubs but real dancing. I have been wanting to take a class for a few years but never did because I didn't want to be the old, fat lady. I have since realized that I am only going to get older and I'm hurting myself by making this judgement. So I have decided to take a class! Maybe it will be belly dancing. Or possible burlesque. Or my absolute favorite, hip-hop. I don't know yet, but I'm gonna do it!
In the spirit of positive body images and self-confidence, I am including a picture that was taken last Friday. And it is a picture I love! Normally I will see a picture of myself and pick apart all the bad things, but this one is different. For the first time, in a long time, I looked at this picture and said, "That is a beautiful lady."
It's refreshing and inspiring to see these women break through the negative stigmas attached to larger sizes. And it has had me doing a lot of thinking lately. While it is important to be confident in who you are and how you look, why am I so crazy about losing weight?!? If I love my body, why do I want to make it smaller? It just didn't make sense to me.
But then I realized something. I realized that I love my body and I want to improve my health. My body is frickin' fabulous and curvy and strong! But my health needs a little work. I also realized that I will never look like Kate Upton, or Megan Trainor, or Ashley Graham, because I am Melinda. And I have Melinda's body. One of my bosses told me when she hired me that she hired me because of my size. She wants the people taking the classes to see that you can be fit at any size. It was one of the nicest compliments I have ever received. And it helped me realize that I shouldn't hold myself back.
If you know me, you know I love to dance and not just in the clubs but real dancing. I have been wanting to take a class for a few years but never did because I didn't want to be the old, fat lady. I have since realized that I am only going to get older and I'm hurting myself by making this judgement. So I have decided to take a class! Maybe it will be belly dancing. Or possible burlesque. Or my absolute favorite, hip-hop. I don't know yet, but I'm gonna do it!
In the spirit of positive body images and self-confidence, I am including a picture that was taken last Friday. And it is a picture I love! Normally I will see a picture of myself and pick apart all the bad things, but this one is different. For the first time, in a long time, I looked at this picture and said, "That is a beautiful lady."
In closing I would like to ask my readers to comment with one of their favorite things about themselves. What about you makes you feel special? What do you love about yourself?
I look forward to reading your comments and thank you for taking time to read my blog!
“Who cares if there are lumps on my thighs? I’m guilty of having human legs made up of fat, muscle, and skin, and sometimes when you sit, they get bumpy!” – Kristen Bell