In today’s world, we are constantly being brainwashed by the media.
Our lives are continuously being saturated by newspapers, radio, books, television, movies and the Internet. We expose ourselves to over 3,500 marketing adverts a day. How many of them do we believe and actually take on board? The best pills that will make you lose inches in days? The amazing cream that will remove wrinkles and vanish those stretch-marks? The perfect diet that will change your life? Or maybe the lush lipstick that will make you beautiful?
Everyone’s attention is primarily focused on the things they do not possess, materialistic objects, and that is where we all fail! We feel the need to look "perfect’ to make sure that we are not judged – but how many times do you give your 100% working on your appearance and look in that mirror thinking you look great, then someone passes one comment with which they totally bring you down? All that effort and it got destroyed with one single comment! It’s not easy to set your mind to decide what you will take on board in your life and what not.
I am only 24 years old and yes, I can openly say I’ve had a tough life. I lost someone very dear to me and I felt that my life was over at only 14 years of age, however, the inner warrior in me kept fighting. At one point, I realised that losing someone will award you a lot more than you think. You will learn to appreciate the little things in life because you will realise that we are only here for a little time.
A few years ago, I was a size 10-12 and I never loved the way I looked -I always wanted to lose weight and look good but it was easier to cry myself to sleep and comfort myself with chocolate. I was then diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called FMF- Familial Mediterranean Fever, which basically meant that my life was close to over. I was suffering from depression and the more I felt sorry for myself the worse it was getting. At one point, I was taking 17 pills a day to keep me focused and avoid the crazy episodes of fever. I was gaining more weight and a few years later, I became a size 18-20.
During this tough time, I met some awesome people in my life, people who made me feel worth it, no matter how many times I put myself down for the way I looked. I always showed compassion for the sufferings or misfortunes of others and yes, I always had opinions of other people around me. Yet, at one point I realised that if I stop judging, I will stop being judged. Those who judge are the ones with insecurities and YES – that was me! I never stopped being judged but I have finally come to a point in my life where I can say I am happy with myself. It took me quite some time.
I have met people who harmed themselves from being bullied or actually took their life because they could not cope with the harsh society anymore. People’s stereotypes and expectations are quite messed up in today’s society and it’s not that easy to realise when you are part of it. Be upfront with yourself, about how you feel and not about what you have been taught to feel. Yes, it is OK to change something that you do not like about the way you look, but first, FALL IN LOVE with yourself. If you don’t, once that one thing which bugged you all your life is fixed, you will feel the urge to keep fixing the rest and you will never be happy.
DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF – think more, see more, tolerate more and you will lead a happier life. Every morning when you wake up, you should feel blessed even though the house is a mess and you’re looking at a long day at work. Look in the mirror, SMILE and be proud of yourself. Make yourself a priority and realise that we only have one life, so make the most of it. I’ve never felt healthier — yes, for the rest of the world and according to my BMI, I am overweight, but I do live a happy life. I attend Zumba classes and swimming classes four times a week, however, I sincerely do them for myself and not for anyone else. I am my own boss and I will always be at the top of the game. Nothing will bring me down ever again because I have been at the very bottom a few times, yet, once I saw the view at the top, I realised that nothing and no one will bring me down.
Some will recognise beauty, others will see imperfections. It’s your choice to decide which team you’re on. Whenever someone tries to insult me to drag me back down to the bottom with them, I do not judge their actions; I still see the good in them. I reply and act back with kindness because there is always a ray of hope that I can change their perception and pull them up to see my view.
The extra pounds you carry, the skinny legs you hate, the pale skin you always complain about, the scar on your body that you cannot hide, the hair that will never stay in place…keep in mind that it takes all kinds of people to make one world. This is who you are, smile at yourself and realise that there is more to life. No matter how many times you change something, there will always be others around you who will try their utmost to push you down and while you are allowing them to dictate your every move, you are not enjoying your life to the fullest.
You are stuck with yourself for the rest of your life. Make the most of it and embrace it. You will be judged for every move you make. As long as you are having fun, to hell with them. Do not feel like you owe anyone an explanation. It’s your life! Love yourself and do not be scared to face your fears. EMBRACE YOUR BODY and your beliefs because these two will stay with you forever. If you think you look good and feel good, then no other opinion should matter about the way you decide to decorate your body. However, keep in mind that a smile goes with every outfit, is good for every season and is always in fashion.
Much love
#fat #confident girl