Stop Asking If You Look Fat

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need to shift focus from physical appearance to personal qualities and experiences.

Abstract

The author reflects on the negative self-perception that arises from a simple photograph, highlighting the tendency to criticize physical attributes rather than appreciating personal achievements and qualities. The piece calls for women to embrace a broader definition of beauty that encompasses strength, intelligence, and resilience, advocating for a move away from societal pressures of physical perfection. It encourages embracing the body positivity movement, not as a trend, but as a courageous act of self-acceptance without the need for filters or apologies. The author asserts that women's worth should not be tied to their weight or appearance, but rather measured by their experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

Opinions

The author critiques the habit of focusing on perceived physical flaws in photographs rather than celebrating personal joy and achievements.
There is a call to action for women to stop reducing themselves to their physical appearance, particularly the use of the word "fat" as a pejorative.
The article suggests that societal standards of beauty overshadow other valuable traits such as intelligence, kindness, and wisdom.
It emphasizes the importance of the body positivity movement as a genuine pursuit of self-acceptance, not merely a commercial trend.
The author expresses a personal commitment to measuring her worth by life's rich experiences and moments of joy rather than by physical size or societal standards.
The piece advocates for women to make choices about their appearance based on personal desire rather than societal expectations, including the decision to wear makeup or style hair.

So stop asking if you look fat

On a recent walk with my friend, I asked her to take my picture while I pretended to lift a fallen tree.

When I saw the photo, all I could think about was how I looked. What hell had humidity wrought upon my hair? Why did my face look so round? Why did my legs look so elephantine?

And yes, I even thought, “Does this tree make me look fat?”

Photo by author

Why can’t I look at the photo and notice how perfectly my sneakers match my yoga pants? Why can’t I see the laughter turning up the corners of my mouth into an irrepressible grin? Why can’t I see the majesty of nature in the background?

Why can’t I see the fallen tree right there in my hands and realize that even something big and mighty can fall down sometimes?

Why are we women so critical of ourselves, and even worse, each other? Sure, I’d like to lose some weight in order to have a healthier BMI. I’m eating healthier and I’m exercising.

I’m doing all the right things, but I’m thinking all the wrong ones.

Women, we are smart, we are strong, and we are resilient. Why do we value our appearance more than our intelligence? Why do we care more about the size of our thighs than the power of our kindness? Why is beauty prized more than wisdom?

Let’s stop calling ourselves, and each other, fat.

Let’s not reduce ourselves to one word, unless that word is awesome. The body positivity movement is not just a way for plus-size influencers to cash in on a passing trend. It takes courage to reveal yourself to the world, with no filters and no apologies.

There is so much more to women than how we look. It’s time for all women to wear what we want, eat what we want, and be who we want. We should do our hair and makeup because we want to, not because we think we have to.

I refuse to measure my worth in pounds. Instead, I will measure my life in laughter, friendship, sunsets, books, movies, and unforgettable moments.

And I will stop asking if I look fat.

You Are Perfect!

So stop asking if you look fat