I distinctly remember one of my classmate’s comments on my picture - "Ffs put on some weight! You look like a stick." This is just one among the multiple body shaming comments that I have been the receiver of growing up. From being called flat-chested to dark-skinned, I have seen it all.
I never did anything consciously to change the way I look. The homemade facial remedies were just a part of the insecurity acting up.
As I felt I had a good metabolism, I did not focus on my diet too much. I used to eat at odd times and not gain any noticeable weight.
However, as I draw nearer to my mid-twenties, I notice those love handles peeping coyly and a flab of skin making its debut under my chin. I dread getting ‘Congratulations!’ messages, for it is easy to perceive a food belly to be a baby!
My skin has cleared up as I grew and I have grown more confident in my body. I can’t help but wonder how better it would have been if the tween me could see me and talk to me. If I could tell her that everything gets better, but be mindful of what you eat. Don’t give in to your cravings just because you don’t see its effects immediately. Everything has a consequence, and just because it is not visible doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
I also know that if I come back from the future to talk to the current me, I will get different advice. Maybe, eat what you like, while you can - but in moderation. Don’t stress too much about how you look, but focus on how you feel. Gaining and shedding weight is natural; don’t stress too much about it. Wear what makes you happy without overthinking your choices. Prioritize your health, everything else will follow.
Maybe the current me knows what is to be done, and takes baby steps towards it. Maybe the current you knows it too and is waiting for the push to get started. This is that push! In this era where consumerism, fast food, trends, stress eating and FOMO are perched on our noses like a pair of rosy glasses, let us choose to see what is hidden in plain sight. Let us crawl towards a healthy and happy life!
Let us choose to acknowledge what we are, and be grateful for it while simultaneously working towards what we wish to be and fall in love with the journey.
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