Good Morning Lovelies,
So much has been on my mind concerning health in 2019!
Primarily because there is so much negativity attached to plus-size women wanting to lose weight. Primarily because it’s thought to go against being body-positive, which I can’t lie really stumped me. I’ve been told it’s of the belief that women who capitalize off being fat then decide to lose weight are manipulating the plus-size industry or are hypocritical in their beliefs or lack real confidence. I guess for me, coming from a space of chronic illness and a condition that would improve with proper diet and exercise being a regular routine, I didn’t think promoting self-care or change was going against the grain. I didn’t assume that body positivity was something that only fat people or people of size could promote. I lastly didn’t think that weight loss always was linked to a lack of self confidence because people lose weight for varying reasons, that aren’t always linked to unhappiness.
So it brings me to my next question, what really is the definition of body positivity? In my years existing and maneuvering the plus community, no concrete definition has ever been shared. In fact, I feel like many people within the plus community have their own personalized definition of what it means to them. So this is my personal definition:
Body Positivity is treating your entire body inclusive of your mind, and spirit well. It means doing what’s best for your body at all times while also accepting the body you were blessed with. It’s a level of confidence that is free of shame and discontent due to societal standards.
Now with that said, I don’t think body positivity is solely designated for fat bodies or plus bodies. I also feel that doing what is best for you can include weight loss if your present state of existing is causing you harm. Of course we don’t know the motivation behind everyone’s weight loss journey, but we have to stop shaming others or policing their decisions based on our personal belief system.
It is YOUR BODY and YOUR LIFE and you are ENTITLED and really required to change. I don’t think anyone should focus on staying the same because that suggests that growth has a stopping point, which life teaches us is not so. I feel that change, whether positive or negative, is solely up to that individual and that may not be a popular opinion but it’s a factual one.
The only requirement is that any changes made to ones self come from a place of love and not hate, and although we cannot gauge those choices (because people are also entitled to their privacy and not required to disclose every detail of their lives) let us stop assuming that it’s negative, or manipulation of the plus industry, or the result of societal pressure. Even if it is, it isn’t fair to say that only fat bodies are allowed to promote body positivity. That’s damaging within itself and sends a message that it is only okay to be fat and positive…which isn’t okay.
To conclude, Coming from a space where my health is wavering day in and out, and my body is a temple I’m trying to treat well….I don’t prescribe to fat shaming or the reversal weight loss shaming. Lets operate and celebrate each other for just simply wanting more from and for our bodies period. If that includes weight loss, so be it. Love your body to its greatest potential! That’s body positive!
With Love,
Lolo
