A few days ago I posted a picture on Instagram/Facebook of my husband and me at Kerry Park. It wasn't my favorite picture of myself and I deleted and re-posted it at least twice. Finally, I decided that it didn't matter, and I posted it anyway.
Today, one of my Brasilian friends commented on the picture, deliberately calling me out for gaining weight. Now let me first say that in Brasil, this isn't considered as offensive as it would be in the US. Brasilians are just more open about stuff like that. However, that didn't stop me from being upset and embarrassed that this friend would write something like that in a public forum. Especially considering the fact that I am already self-conscious of my body. First thing I thought when I saw the picture, "Gross! My arms looks huge! Do I even want to post this?" Somehow insecurities become more deep and unsettling when someone acknowledges the fear that you try to conceal from the outside world.
I spent my afternoon feeling angry, annoyed, and in a pit of self-deprecation. After all, it's true. I have gained weight. I'm not as fit as I once was. But after I spent hours analyzing and picking apart all my worst features, I realized something. I am more than my body. For me to place all my value and self-esteem on my physical appearance is a complete misrepresentation of my life's mission and philosophy.
I believe in my ability to contribute to society and to the lives of those around me. I'm a strong woman, with a college degree, a good job, and a burning passion for learning. I have strong opinions and a desire to help others. I work hard in my career. I volunteer in my church. I nurture relationships and try to help my family and friends. So why in the name of all that is holy, would I only base my worth on one person's idiotic, small minded comment on Facebook?
It is my opinion that women, myself included, place too much value in their physical appearance. I'll be the first one to admit, if I can't get my hair to cooperate in the morning, I feel like it's an omen for a bad day. The number on the scale may or may not have ruined many days, which would have otherwise been lovely. It. Must. End.
This past week, I had the privilege and honor of attending a special speech by Malala Yousafzai. This woman is a personal hero of mine. She walked into the room and I cried. Her spirit and confidence were stunning. She was radiant! She spoke her words with power and courage. She's unabashedly living her life, proud of her story, proud of herself. And her confidence has nothing to do with what she looks like. We need more women like this in the world! Strong, powerful women who know their value. Women who know that their ideas, their opinions are meaningful. Women who know that they can be an influence for good.
Let's face it, at our funeral, no one is going to be talking about our once washboard abs, or our thigh gap. It's our ideas, our relationships, our spirits that will live on as our legacy.
So next time someone criticizes what you look like, remember this: I am more than my body.
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| The Picture in Question |
I spent my afternoon feeling angry, annoyed, and in a pit of self-deprecation. After all, it's true. I have gained weight. I'm not as fit as I once was. But after I spent hours analyzing and picking apart all my worst features, I realized something. I am more than my body. For me to place all my value and self-esteem on my physical appearance is a complete misrepresentation of my life's mission and philosophy.
I believe in my ability to contribute to society and to the lives of those around me. I'm a strong woman, with a college degree, a good job, and a burning passion for learning. I have strong opinions and a desire to help others. I work hard in my career. I volunteer in my church. I nurture relationships and try to help my family and friends. So why in the name of all that is holy, would I only base my worth on one person's idiotic, small minded comment on Facebook?
It is my opinion that women, myself included, place too much value in their physical appearance. I'll be the first one to admit, if I can't get my hair to cooperate in the morning, I feel like it's an omen for a bad day. The number on the scale may or may not have ruined many days, which would have otherwise been lovely. It. Must. End.
This past week, I had the privilege and honor of attending a special speech by Malala Yousafzai. This woman is a personal hero of mine. She walked into the room and I cried. Her spirit and confidence were stunning. She was radiant! She spoke her words with power and courage. She's unabashedly living her life, proud of her story, proud of herself. And her confidence has nothing to do with what she looks like. We need more women like this in the world! Strong, powerful women who know their value. Women who know that their ideas, their opinions are meaningful. Women who know that they can be an influence for good.
Let's face it, at our funeral, no one is going to be talking about our once washboard abs, or our thigh gap. It's our ideas, our relationships, our spirits that will live on as our legacy.
So next time someone criticizes what you look like, remember this: I am more than my body.
