I read today online that one of my all-time favorite singers, who I admire and have looked up to for so many years, was bullied as a younger person. On top of that, when she was evolving as a performer, many people around her would comment on her weight. She has one hell of a voice – her pipes are some of the best on the world.
Why is it that we are defined by our size?
I have been a bigger girl most of my life. I had an eating disorder when I was 15 and since then I have been a bit of a yo-yo dieter. For many years after my eating disorder, I still found it difficult to look at myself in the mirror. That is probably one of the darkest times of my life. It took me many, many years to come off the Bulimia train. At my bottom end, I was 38kgs (approximately 84 lbs). I hated myself – the way I looked, the way I appeared. I agonized over clothing and made sure I didn’t eat anything that was on the forbidden list (which was most things). I threw my food away and when people asked if I was hungry, I would lie and tell them I had eaten.
I hated everything about me. I would constantly be in tears.
At age 48, I am now an Australian size 20. I walk, I do my steps, I get a workout on the weekend singing on stage and mostly I eat healthily. I have 2 beautiful kids who tell me to wear my “thicc” body with pride – and I do. You see, I have learned the secret: “Be healthy. It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are.” People will often comment that my larger figure can hit big notes. One guy said to me, “Please do not take this personally, but I have to say your shape is sexy and you sound amazing.” I am lucky to have a husband who loves me for me, who has embraced my curves and has loved this body that produced 2 amazing kids.
I wear my body with pride, I flaunt my curves. I love the look I get at my shows. At the end of the day, hell I love who I am and how I look!
My Mantra is: “I am not compulsory. If you don’t like the look of me – move along.”
Live in peace ladies. Be healthy and happy and embrace who you are.
Til next time.
Namaste
