You looked beautiful at the wedding. That orange really complimented your look. I don’t know of any women who don’t struggle with their body image, you are just able to share it more openly than most. Thanks for bringing the conversation to the light.
Lara, I recently ripped a pair of jeans I'd been wearing, er living in. Have also had a 35 pound weight gain since about 2 years ago & it seems the bulk of the weight has now gone to my thighs, butt & now stomach. So I could REALLY relate to your piece today. My closet & a clothing rack are full of beautiful, cute, stylish things I either can't wear or things that are too tight to feel comfortable in.
Last Friday night we went to a game night thing through an EventBrite posting I'd found. Long story, but it involved some deep, personal sharing with the group. At one point we were asked to step into the circle & share something we felt was defining us that didn't fit with our true selves. If others resonated with your statement, they'd agree by stepping into the circle to join you. I was the very last & said something to the effect that I felt like people judged me by my current, larger shape & that I wanted to be seen for the creative, compassionate person I am. To my surprise, NEARLY EVERYONE stepped into the circle to join me - including a younger, very muscular man who was in an enviable body shape for most men, I'd think. That was a real eye opener for me. As I stepped back into the circle, I felt my eyes well up with tears that began to flow down my cheeks. I was so moved to have seen how many others related to my feelings of inadequacy & self-consciousness, and somehow I left feeling not only seen & validated, but also reassured that I am not alone. So I'm sharing this with you, bc apparently we are in the majority. Who knew?
Love your writing & YOU, my talented friend. You inspire me almost every single day with something new you share. Keep being authentically you, bc it gives others permission to drop their masks & be more fully themselves too. ❤️
Oh Susan thank you for sharing your story, and your kind words. That sounds like a really intense game night ;) I'm so glad you were honest and vulnerable and were able to make so many people feel so safe and seen <3
I can appreciate your candid feels regarding weight and trying on clothes. I do see a triumphant return to the confident size 10 Lara in the near future and look forward reading about your journey on that front.
So feel all of this— currently on a re/committed health & weightless journey, feeling and sleeping great, happy to be down 8 so far— and ignoring how f-ing slow weight loss is now vs 10 years ago & that my current “goal weight” is my former “fat weight.” Onward! Because you did, I know I can (and will)! I was missing your stack— will have to re-start the Corrections and can you believe I’ve never seen The Women? Xo
I literally was just going through something similar—had to buy a new pair of jeans because the fabric where my thighs rub together had become embarrassingly threadbare. They weren’t even a year old (though I wear them all the time)! I couldn’t bear to pay full price for a new pair when they didn’t even last a year so I, too, went on eBay and got lucky with brand new ones for a third of the regular price. They also don’t fit quite as well as my old ones but I’m hoping breaking them in will help change that. Sending you commiserating hugs.
You looked beautiful at the wedding. That orange really complimented your look. I don’t know of any women who don’t struggle with their body image, you are just able to share it more openly than most. Thanks for bringing the conversation to the light.
Thank you <3
I LOVE “The Women”, though have not watched in years. Thanks for the reminder!
I'm due for a rewatch!
Lara, I recently ripped a pair of jeans I'd been wearing, er living in. Have also had a 35 pound weight gain since about 2 years ago & it seems the bulk of the weight has now gone to my thighs, butt & now stomach. So I could REALLY relate to your piece today. My closet & a clothing rack are full of beautiful, cute, stylish things I either can't wear or things that are too tight to feel comfortable in.
Last Friday night we went to a game night thing through an EventBrite posting I'd found. Long story, but it involved some deep, personal sharing with the group. At one point we were asked to step into the circle & share something we felt was defining us that didn't fit with our true selves. If others resonated with your statement, they'd agree by stepping into the circle to join you. I was the very last & said something to the effect that I felt like people judged me by my current, larger shape & that I wanted to be seen for the creative, compassionate person I am. To my surprise, NEARLY EVERYONE stepped into the circle to join me - including a younger, very muscular man who was in an enviable body shape for most men, I'd think. That was a real eye opener for me. As I stepped back into the circle, I felt my eyes well up with tears that began to flow down my cheeks. I was so moved to have seen how many others related to my feelings of inadequacy & self-consciousness, and somehow I left feeling not only seen & validated, but also reassured that I am not alone. So I'm sharing this with you, bc apparently we are in the majority. Who knew?
Love your writing & YOU, my talented friend. You inspire me almost every single day with something new you share. Keep being authentically you, bc it gives others permission to drop their masks & be more fully themselves too. ❤️
Oh Susan thank you for sharing your story, and your kind words. That sounds like a really intense game night ;) I'm so glad you were honest and vulnerable and were able to make so many people feel so safe and seen <3
I can appreciate your candid feels regarding weight and trying on clothes. I do see a triumphant return to the confident size 10 Lara in the near future and look forward reading about your journey on that front.
Thank you my friend. Here's hopin'!
So feel all of this— currently on a re/committed health & weightless journey, feeling and sleeping great, happy to be down 8 so far— and ignoring how f-ing slow weight loss is now vs 10 years ago & that my current “goal weight” is my former “fat weight.” Onward! Because you did, I know I can (and will)! I was missing your stack— will have to re-start the Corrections and can you believe I’ve never seen The Women? Xo
I CANNOT believe you have never seen The Women! You must rectify that sitch ASAP! And congrats on feeling great!! Xox <3
I literally was just going through something similar—had to buy a new pair of jeans because the fabric where my thighs rub together had become embarrassingly threadbare. They weren’t even a year old (though I wear them all the time)! I couldn’t bear to pay full price for a new pair when they didn’t even last a year so I, too, went on eBay and got lucky with brand new ones for a third of the regular price. They also don’t fit quite as well as my old ones but I’m hoping breaking them in will help change that. Sending you commiserating hugs.
Hugs right back at 'ya, sister! I'm so glad you found a decent and affordable replacement on eBay!