Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Thinking about size

    You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy."

Today is a tough day. I am actually feeling a little sick (maybe strep - not sure, heading to the d-o-c this afternoon.) Since I had a little extra time, I thought I would visit all of my favorite blogs. I came across one of my favorite writers. Her name is Courtney and she is the author of Loving The Reflection. Basically she writes about how to dress on a plus sized figure. Today's post in particular got me to thinking. She was talking about the issues with being a bit shorter in stature yet needing clothing in a plus size. It's difficult to find the right cut, etc.

I just started thinking about sizes in general. I have lived in both worlds. I was a lean kid and teenager. Perhaps it was due to the ballet classes and the fact my mom would not let us eat junk food or drink sodas that often. Or maybe I just had a high metabolism. Who knows.. but the truth is, over the years - my body changed, drastically. By 24 - I really started putting on some weight. I have been on both sides of the size issue.

When I was younger - it was such a joy to try on clothes. God blessed me with decent sized breasts, a small waist, and well.. a cute little booty. Over time, the breast blew up and the butt grew too. Not to mention the tummy. Oh, and the thighs. And the cheeks... yeah - slowly but surely, all of those cute curves became obscene. Should have known. If I looked at my Grandma Thurston - she was 5 feet and round as a butterball.

Do I feel ugly? No. Honestly - no. Do I feel heavy? Some days more often than not. I know what I look like, and I know what I need to do to be healthy. If that means I can look good also - so be it. I have made some changes, and I know, without a doubt, I can get back in shape. It just depends on how fast I want to get there. Honestly, I don't want to go too fast. Because I don't want to be one of those girls that loses a lot of weight really fast, then gets back into a normal routine and gains it all back. Because if I head back down the scale - I am not coming back.

Yes, I think if you are plus sized, you should try to feel good about yourself. Certainly! No one should ever put you down because of the way you look. However, on the same token, I think HEALTH is the most important piece of the puzzle. Carrying more weight on a small frame makes my heart work harder. The only time my heart needs to be pumping harder is when I am in my Zumba classes. ;-) 

Confidence, positive attitude and taking care of yourself is essential. The absolute least I can do is take care of my skin, learn ways to enhance my features that are positive, and try to look as well-groomed as possible. There is nothing worse than seeing someone who feels bad about the way they look, and they don't do anything about it. Not that outward appearances should matter, but honestly - that's what we see. That's what we do.

When you smile, when you are well groomed, when you put care into your presentation - size will not matter. When you eat healthy options, take time to move vigorously, and tend to your spirit - that glow will come through and the outward changes will follow.

What about you? What is your opinion on different sizes and taking care of yourself and beauty?

Below are the different sizes of Nicole:





9 comments:

dewin said...

Oh my gosh, the hair!!! So rad!

Carol said...

I still have hair like that! LOL

I have not lost my baby weight but not too worried - my youngest is 3.
It took me 10 years to lose it after the older children.

The only thing I cannot cope with is the questions about whether I am pregnant again! Then I wouldnt look in the mirror and hate my jelly belly I would be happy that is how I am because I am 42 and have 3 kids!

We cannot all be the same size and I have seen the skinnest people having the most shocking health issues.

carol

Anonymous said...

Excellent post my friend! I have been on both sides of the scale. Started off on the thin side, moved to the pushing it side, and now down to the slightly fluffy side. The worst thing I experienced while in the pushing it side was the lack of stylish clothing for the shorter stature. It seemed everything I found was either too small, or those that did fit, were for taller people and really had no style to them at all. I wasn't really heavy enough for the stylish big clothing, yet too big for the stylish smaller clothing. I was right there in the middle. Pretty much dressed frumpy a lot during that time. Self image is so very important though...

Mrs. Indecisive said...

I deal with body dysmorphic issues, but currently too lazy to starve myself lol sorta a joke, but either way, I feel I've skipped around the weight spectrum too and sometimes, it's hard to love yourself. Hell, when I went from 120 pounds to 128, I thought to myself "oh this will be nice, I look a little curvy)" (because fat sits on me funny) and then someone made a cutting remark so many years ago and ever since then? I cannot stand being over 130 pounds. I really can't.

Sometimes, it's realy really hard to love oneself.

Robin said...

This post reminds me of why I like Dove's Campaign for Beauty so much. I think everyone should do what they can to be healthy. That does mean eating in moderation, also eating a balanced meal, getting exercise, etc. Being overweight is unhealthy in that does harm to a person physically. When that is the case, it is important to do something about it. The same way it would be if you had a heart condition, diabetes, cancer, or any other medical issue. However, we live in a society that places unrealistic expectations on girls and women as to what beautiful is, and that is wrong. Beautiful is what's in your heart. Your body is just the vehicle that carries it around. And you want your vehicle to last as long as possible and take you as many places as you want to go! Great post.

Anonymous said...

I think it's really messed up that me, 5'3" and 130 lbs, practically have to buy everything in large. I don't know if I just got too big or they've shrunken the sizes. I have regular sized boobs, why am I having to buy large shirts? What the hell do big chested women do?!
I do have a rather large behind, which has forced me to buy pants that are too big all around, but their the only size my butt fit in. I used to like shopping, but I'm finding it harder and harder to find clothing I think looks good/fits properly. Friggen sucks.

Nicole said...

Dewin - Yeah, the hair is frightening. 80s baby!

Dizzy/Mitzi/Robin - excellent points!

Cassandra - I do have that problem - I have to buy things a size or so bigger to fit the curves. I just need a personal tailor! :-)

Nicole said...

And Jen - me too. I hate being over 130 :-P Though I would give anything to be back there. LOL

Bossy Betty said...

Nicole is beautiful at any size!!!

Love the 80's hair!

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