There are always times when I think that people struggle with their appearance and how they are perceived by others. I can just look at a plate of gnocchi and the pounds jump right on my thighs. Some people can eat all day long and not gain a pound. Well, what’s for them is for them and what’s for me is for me!!!! It took me a long time but I have accepted that. We have been brainwashed to think we must fit into a certain size to please others. I have always been a “thick girl” as guys used to call me when I was in college. Being “thick” meant I had curvy hips, thick thighs and a lot of junk in my trunk. My favorite karaoke song to sing happens to be Baby Got Back.
I think the key here is finding clothes that compliment your body style. I don’t want my clothes so tight that it shows everything. You have to leave something to the imagination! I love maxi dresses and maxi shirts. Recently, I have started wearing dresses that are shorter, and still below the knee. It was a bold move for me but I finally felt comfortable. This also applies to bathing suits. I used my lack of confidence for wearing a bathing suit not to take my children to the water parks or beaches. I was still carrying baby weight and my kids are 13 and 11. I wasn’t hurting myself, my children were the ones that were suffering. When I realized that, I had to make small goals for myself to remain healthy for my children and that is what I did. We’ve been enjoying the beach ever since.
My accountability partner at work helped with my 30 day challenges that focused on abs, squats etc. Being sleep deprived and teaching all day, I was determined to do each session in the evening. I would get my mat and do my planks and start other ab work but would fall asleep on the floor. So I have to find a plan B. In the meantime, I have learned to embrace my curves. The other day a woman stopped me and said that people pay for a butt like mine. I think that was a compliment. I just said thank you and kept moving.
Life has taught me to enjoy every moment. To love myself and to make myself a priority. It is important to teach young girls to embrace and cherish their bodies. Don’t get me wrong I am not against dieting, working out, and lifestyle changes. I don’t hate people who are thin. When I see the committment and dedication people have towards getting in shape. It inspires me. My mindset is just not all the way 100% there yet. But I am a work in progress and that is the first step. It just saddens me when I see others ridiculed because of their size. I am not embarrassed to say that my spanx has saved me on many occasions. But it is now time to get rid of the spanx! I want to leave you with an excerpt from a poem by the late Maya Angelou, A Phenomenal Woman. This speaks to my heart.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size. But when I start to tell them. They think I’m telling lies. I say it’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips. The stride of my steps. The curl of my lips. I’m a woman. phenomenally, phenomenal Woman. That’s me.
Remember when you look in the mirror, you are amazing!
~Brooke
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 