This word is like poison to me, it makes me cringe when I hear it. I'm not talking about the "F" bomb, I am talking about the word "fat." This word has haunted me my entire life, and I never seem to escape the word or the people that use it. For most of my school career, I have been overweight and been bullied because of my weight. No kid should ever be subjected to ridicule because of their weight. Bullying can really take a toll on someone, especially a kid. When I was younger, I would act out because kids would be making fun of me. I would be trying to fit in, so they would accept me as one of their own, which would never happen. No one should be judged based on their weight, they should be seen for who they are. Personality speaks louder than looks, I'd rather be friends with someone who has a fantastic personality than someone who judges friendship based on looks.
In high school, I wasn't part of the popular crowd because I wasn't considered to be to their physical standards and was seen as weird because I liked comic books and musicals. There was a group that accepted me for who I was and that was the choir and band kids that I went to high school with. They were the most supportive people that were a part of my life and got me through all the troubled times I faced. They were confidence boosters and helped me become the person I am today. They were a family to me — they made me see me for who I was no matter how overweight I was at the time. Weight changes and you are the person to make the change. Change shouldn't be made because of others and what they have to say. The change should be made by you unless advised by a doctor because of potential health issues. I want to lose weight because I want to be healthy and have the needed energy to get me through work and school.
"Fat" is just a word, not a lifestyle. This word is used for the wrong reasons, and people need to realize that it is damaging rather than helping. Don't let this word define you as a person, I learned that. I have lost 40 pounds so far since last year, and I am still seen as overweight, but I have learned that I am in a transition to a healthier weight and the word fat doesn't define me as a person or the lifestyle I live. Words and people shouldn't define who we are based on our weight, they should get to know the person better before making harsh judgments that can affect their life and the person they are judging. Fat is just a word and that's all it will ever be. Don't let it define who you are. Never lose sight of who you are and surround yourself with people that accept you for you and give the love and support you deserve. I have learned to love myself for who I am and be open-minded and optimistic for what the future holds.
