Hello All!
I just celebrated a birthday (I’m keeping the number a secret – for now!) and I’ve been reflecting on the changes I’ve gone through in the last few years.
After a car accident two years ago, I injured my back and my ability to exercise got compromised. My weight went up, my size grew from a size 12 to a 14/16, and I realized that I had become fat.
At first, my size depressed me. I felt unsexy and undesirable. Not being able to go into just any store and find my size added to my funk.
I’m a strong believer that “everything happens for a reason,” and I’ve learned lessons and developed a stronger sense of compassion throughout this chapter in my life.
1. Size Doesn’t Equate Sexiness.
After I discovered blogging and found sites such as The Curvy Fashionista, Daily Venus Diva, and Tess Munster, there are a LOT of sexy, confident, and inspirational curvy women out there. They own their size and make it work. I’ve learned that it’s not my shell that’s sexy; it’s the way I own it! I wasted time during my smaller days obsessing over “needing to lose 10 lbs” versus living in the moment. I won’t obsess any more.
2. Fashion is Still Fun!
True, there are some retailers I can’t shop from now. However, I’ve discovered Forever 21 Plus, Deb, Asos Plus, Elloquii, H&M, and Zara. Thankfully, more retailers are getting on board and adding additional sizes with fashion-forward styles. I’m so glad I can still enjoy clothes!
Werk!
3. Don’t Hide.
Fat people (especially women) have been conditioned to be ashamed of their bodies. We don’t want to draw attention, we hide in bulky clothes, and walk around as if apologetic for our size. I’ve learned that life does not stop because I’ve gained weight. I still have a voice and talent to contribute. If someone seems uncomfortable because I’m fat, that’s their issue. I can’t control that. However, I can control how I deal with my weight day to day.
4. Everyone Has Body Issues!
Recently, the Hubby and I went to a cookout that his work was hosting. The event took place by a beach, so naturally a number of people were swimming and sunning. What struck me was the number of body self loathing comments from these fit military people! These weren’t the “competitive” type of body comparison comments (I’m so fat – no, you’re not, I’m fat!), but a sincere wistfulness to look better. I realized we all have our body issues. Isn’t it a shame we can’t “just be”?
So, the takeaway for me is –
Sure, I would like to lose weight. My energy would be better, it’s easier on my back (which is doing much better!), and it’s good for my overall health. I believe that I will end up losing weight as I continue to get stronger. But, I’m not going to stop fully living my life or being happy because I’m fat.
And if I do go down in size, I’m not going to cringe at my pictures or “fat shame” myself. I am still ME!
I hope we all can embrace who we are for what we are!
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Maxi Dress – FOREVER 21 PLUS
Necklace – H & M
Sandals – FOREVER 21
Bra – VICTORIA’S SECRET
Earrings – thrift shop find!
Love, laughter, and shoes –
xx Melanie!
Really loved this post. It is so great that you can share your confidence and help motivate others to love themselves! X
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Thank you so much, Sophie. We all need to be better to ourselves.:)
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you are a genius!
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Awww shucks! Thank you so much, Beth:)
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Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.
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I’m so glad you found me! Thanks for following, Dinah. This is the best part about blogging; that we can help one another:)
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Lovely post. I can relate. I went up from a size 10 to a 12 and haven’t quite been able to go back even though i try sometimes then just give up. Food is like my best friend and i definitely get depressed when i try to hold back. So ive decided to just embrace my body the way it is.
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Hi Rida,
I tried replying a couple days ago, but my internet was being crabby. Thank you for your comments; I really appreciate readers offering feedback.
Learning to appreciate we have, versus what we don’t, is the best gift we can give ourselves:)
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I love this so much! Such a beautiful and inspiring blog post. I can relate to much of that (even if I’m only 14) because I’ve had quite a messed up year of disordered eating. I especially loved the line “I’m not going to stop fully living my life or being happy because I’m fat.”
Thanks for sharing this and you look GORGEOUS btw 🙂
P.S- I’m planning to open an Instagram account (so I can reach out to teen audience) about body positivity. Thanks for the inspiration and I’ll be sure to give you cred 🙂
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Hello! Thank you for the nice comments. This is the reason I blog – hopeful I can help others. Glad you found inspiration in it! Thank you for reading:)
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iff you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same
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Hi Cameron,
Thanks for reading! I would try checking out articles on DailyVenusDiva.com, or you can also look at Go Curvy on Twitter.
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Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark
this blog.
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Thank you so much, Evelyne! I hope you enjoy my blog:)
xx Melanie.
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