I'm sad to say that sometimes, people are shocked when I tell them I love my body. Yeah, sure, I know I'm not the media's definition of "beauty." I'm most definitely not a size 2, I hate wearing tight clothes, and I weigh more than 100 pounds. Some days, I envy all the girls that do fit that definition. And this is by no means a stab at them. You keep doing you, girl. This is, though, a chance to defend myself from all the people that tell me I'm wrong for loving the extra weight I carry.
I'd like to start by saying that I don't encourage putting oneself in harm just to make a point. That being said, my being slightly overweight is not going to kill me today. I weigh a considerable amount more than is "appropriate" for my height and sex, and I love pizza. You do the math. I'm not just lounging around for the sake of doing so and expecting people to believe I respect myself. But when I tell you that I do love my body, please don't respond with "If you love your body, then you'll lose some weight." The only weight I'm going to lose, my friend, is the weight of your negativity. Sure, I could stand to lose a few pounds. But that's from a physician's perspective, and no one else's.
It's when I and people I know have been told that someone would have dated me if I was skinnier or that someone would have liked me more if I was skinnier that I get really, truly, deeply upset. And while I would never go out with someone so shallow and superficial, it's the mere fact that because I'm bigger, I apparently am less of a person to someone else. Simply because I carry few extra pounds, I am no longer desirable.
And let me tell you--I'm far more than desirable. I am a beautiful, competent, powerful, strong, confident woman. I am nothing less than that. Whether I weigh 100 pounds, or 250 pounds, or 400 pounds, I will always be those things. My life does not hinge on my weight or appearance. My life does not hinge on what that cute boy in the 8th grade thought about how I looked. I love, love, love my body. And no one can take that away.
So please--stop and think the next time you body-shame someone. Thin or large, tall or short, we're all people and deserve kindness. We're the opportunity to spread kindness. Just remember to love yourself, love others, and love your body. It's the only one you've got!
