On this humid, 75 degree day, I can't help but notice the stares I receive from both men and women -- all ages -- as I walk down the street. Yes, it is very warm, so I'm going to wear shorts and a tank top. I feel comfortable in these clothes. I think to myself, "What, you've never seen a fat chick that's comfortable with their body?"
Of course, "fat chick" is definitely not the correct word to say, but the way people look at me as I walk down the street to class sure makes me feel like it's the right word. This is 2016 and the world is finally beginning to change and accept people for who they are -- more than it has ever before. The correct word is probably "overweight person" or something silly like "thick girl." Yes, I am overweight. Yes, I know the health risks of being overweight, and I am working on it. But for the time being, there is nothing I can do to change my body. I am sweating -- I'm not going to wear jeans and a t-shirt to please you. I am going to wear clothing according to the weather, not my body size.
The main thing that infuriates me about my size is the way I'm looked at. I see people of all genders and ages look at me, and then I see them look at a girl that is 5'10" and a size 2. They look at me like I'm some kind of disgusting pig and they look at her like she's a goddess. Sure, sometimes I think to myself, "Can I look like that? Why can't I be as tall and beautiful as she is?" But I immediately dismiss those thoughts from my head. I am me, and there's nothing that will ever change that. I am the girl that is 5'1" and a size 14 jeans. I really don't care if you know what size jeans I am. I know who I am and I know who I want to be. My body is not going to change at the snap of a finger.
My main point here is to inspire everyone to be as body positive as I am. Sure, I have some insecurities, but who doesn't? I hate the little bumps on my arms known as "chicken skin." I'm insecure about my toes because they're a little wider than normal. I have those insecurities, but not when it comes to my body. I just happen to have a few extra pounds on me. That doesn't change who I am as a person.
If you're reading this and you hate your body, I want you to stand up. I want you to walk over to the mirror and I want you to tell yourself that your body is a sacred place and that you are perfect the way you are. You need to realize that you are beautiful no matter what society or the random people on the street have to say. To all the girls out there, wear clothing that you feel comfortable in during these warm months. If you feel comfortable in a one-piece, then work it. I work one-pieces all the time and I personally think I look great. If you feel comfortable in a two piece string bikini, then that's awesome. Work it. To the guys, you need to do the same. Wear things that make you feel comfortable without sweating. Know that you have a killer bod no matter what anyone has to say. It's your body, your life, not theirs. So if you wanna wear a speedo at the beach, do it! If you feel comfortable in swim shorts and a tank top, do that instead.
We need to put an end to body shaming and society's opinions. Just a friendly reminder, I'm not talking about just fat shaming. Skinny shaming is a thing too, and we need to shed some light upon it as well. I don't think I have ever looked at someone and gone "They're so fat! Ew!" or "They're way too skinny. They need to put some meat on their bones." Everything about those two statements is rude and insensitive. You never know what someone is going through, health wise and whatnot. They shouldn't be judged for wearing revealing clothes because it's hot.
So in short, love yourself and love your body. You are beautiful and you should be able to feel comfortable in your own skin. There is only one you. Life is short, so there's no time to waste on this beautiful Earth worrying about what you look like in a pair of shorts. Live your life the way you want to live it, rock whatever you want to wear, and ignore anyone that tries to put you down. Be comfortable and feel beautiful in your skin.
