Body Changes

To the woman embarrassed by her body changing, don't be. It's not you that needs to change, it's our culture's expectations on women's bodies and beauty standards.

I posted this to my IG on International Women's Day. It's inspiring, sure. It's invigorating to some. It's impossible for others. For many, it may be true and the next, it's glorifying obesity.

Why would someone be embarrassed by their body changing, you ask?

• "I can't eat that, I'm working on my summer body."

• "I feel so fat in this outfit."

• "She likes fried foods, so what does that tell you about her health?"

• "Have you seen her? Of course she is unhealthy."

• "You cannot be healthy at a size 16."

• "I want to lose a few pounds to help with my self-esteem."

• "My face is so big and ugly."

All things you may have said and not meant any harm by it. You likely have heard other people say one of these or something similar. Heck, turn on any media and it's only a matter of time until you hear someone say one of these lines.

In what space(s) are bodies allowed to be what they are? Where are bodies allowed to be appreciated, regardless of how they look? Why is bigger better in everything in the western world except when it comes to our body?

I'm passionate about this work because I existed on both sides of the coin. I've been a well-known weight loss success story and I've gain the weight back due to hormone therapy for a disease I have. And one thing that didn't change? My character. My soul. Who I am at my core. But we decide people's worth and meaning based off how they look.

If you find it hard to accept or approve of your body, specifically, your changing body, I invite you to get curious about your judgement. And your beliefs. Your body bias. Your size bias. Your beauty bias. The internalized fatphobia our culture teaches us the moment we are exposed to western media.

You, my dear, are more than enough.