The word "fat" used to be a term to describe one's body type. Thanks to society and its beauty standards, there is no such thing as just being fat anymore. So many negative connotations have centered around the word that the term 'fat' is meant to describe more than just your weight. 'Fat' gets associated with words like 'lazy,' 'gross,' 'unhealthy,' and 'ugly.' The word 'fat' attempts to define your entire appearance, whether you are attractive or not, or whether you can love yourself or not.

No one should have the power to pin a physical appearance against someone else. No one deserves to be hurt or offended because of how they look. I can tell you from experience that no matter how many times I am called fat, it hurts just the same every time. It is upsetting because when someone says it, they are not just looking at my physical appearance, they are judging my whole being. I know this because the judgment typically comes before they get to know me. My physical appearance is their first impression and it influences how they view me and my personality.

However, there are worse titles I could be called. But the expectations of one's beauty are hard to come by. That's why it took some time to realize that my actions define me more than words ever will.

Being called fat does not define me, because I am so much more than a physical description. I am a daughter, a sister, and friend. I am powerful, kind, smart, silly, and sometimes a bit sassy. I find joy in the comfort of movies, books, tennis, and my loved ones.

Furthermore, weight does not determine my value or attractiveness. I am beautiful in my own unique way because everyone is beautiful. Whether you are skinny, fat, or somewhere in between, you are beautiful. Just because we live in a society where physical beauty is sometimes valued over inner beauty, it doesn't mean we have to abide by those standards. If we are going to cease judgment, we should only evaluate beauty based on the inner qualities a person has. This means body shaming, an issue frequently gaining coverage these days, must come to an end.

I cannot say that the word fat will not impact me anymore. I cannot say that it won't impact the people around me. But I do know I will never let it impact me like it did before. I will be proud of who I am, inside and out, and associate myself with the people who don't observe looks first.

So yes, I am a plus size, but I am OK with that. As long as I remember who I really am, I will never let the word 'fat' define me.

Essentially, the word 'fat' is just an adjective, and it is an adjective I will choose to ignore.