The pressures of the American fashion industry can weigh heavily on anyone, and I am no exception. I often find myself grappling with feelings of inadequacy—wrestling with notions of being unattractive or too large. It’s a familiar refrain; once upon a time, I fit comfortably into a size 6. However, a course of medication led to a gradual weight gain of 50 pounds over nine months. The change crept up on me, but one day, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and recognized the reality: I had become ‘fat.’
After navigating through feelings of anger and confusion, I began to embrace my new figure. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and wearing a size 14, I realized that I am indeed fabulous.
However, it’s important to note that my journey to self-love is not always smooth. When self-doubt creeps in, I often turn to music for comfort. There’s a catchy tune that echoes in my mind: “Hey girl, you are beautiful.” These lyrics, inspired by the size-acceptance movement and the Butterfly Lounge in Orange County, remind me of my worth. The exuberant energy of the song resonates with me, and I can’t help but sing it in my head—right now, as you read this.
The truth is, I have curves that are stunning. I take inspiration from figures like Mia Thompson, who has graced magazine covers as a size 16, and Lila Ramirez, who proudly flaunted her shape in body paint for a swimsuit edition. These women, alongside icons like the beautiful actress Ava Jenkins, showcase that confidence and beauty come in all sizes. And yes, I see a reflection of myself in them!
Navigating clothing sizes can be a challenge, as I often find myself straddling the lines between plus-size, extra-large, and large, depending on the brand. I’ve learned how to wear shapewear—not to shrink my body but to enhance my curves, ensuring they look their best. I avoid styles like empire waists that don’t flatter my figure, opting instead for dresses that accentuate my assets. With the right fit, I know I can turn heads.
I refuse to let societal standards dictate my self-worth. I still enjoy getting dolled up with my makeup routine, which is nothing short of an art form. My preferred looks often include bold red lips and shimmery gold eyeshadow. I embrace every aspect of myself, from my hair to my personal style, wearing what makes me feel empowered.
Moreover, I cherish the closeness of my children, who frequently find comfort in my embrace. My ample thighs serve as a pillow, a reminder of the love and warmth we share. Each mark and curve tells a story, revealing the journey of motherhood. I’ve even had moments where my clothing choices led others to mistakenly believe I was pregnant, a misunderstanding that stung initially, but ultimately led me to appreciate my body’s unique shape.
Despite the occasional setbacks, I continue to strive for positivity. In a world where critics may label me, I focus on surrounding myself with uplifting influences. I sing along to empowering tunes, reminding myself that loving who I am is a fundamental human right. Every inch of my body is deserving of love and appreciation. I am beautiful, and so are you, regardless of your size. Never forget that.
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