I’m Not Fat, I’m…

…just big-boned” was my go-to response when referring to my weight as a teenager. If you had told me two years ago that I would still think I was fat after losing 100 lbs., I’d have laughed so hard you’d need a spatula to peel me off the floor. But here I am, nearly a hundred pounds lighter and still grappling with my reflection like it’s WrestleMania. My brain insists on playing tricks, convincing me I’m still smuggling watermelons under my shirt despite the fact I can finally see my toes. Before I lost the weight, I never actually saw my reflection as fat; I saw it as perfect. Is this also body dysmorphia?

But let’s talk about my daughter, my strong, tall, brick-house-of-a-daughter, who at 13, is built like she could give Wonder Woman a run for her money. She had a lightbulb moment while watching the Women’s Olympic Rugby matches this past summer. She saw those bada$$ women and declared, “Mom, I think I’m built for rugby!” And I was like, “Kiddo, you were born for it. Just don’t tackle me!”

It got me thinking about how far we’ve come with this whole body positivity thing. Back in my day, it was all about dieting to look like a twig. Body positivity wasn’t even a thing—it was more like body ambiguity. The plus-size options were limited to a handful of stores that screamed “granny chic.” 

But today? We’ve got mid-sized women on the cover of Sports Illustrated, strutting down the catwalk, and starring in movies. Clothes aren’t just available in more sizes—they’re actually size-inclusive and designed to make all body types feel fabulous. 

I love that my daughter gets to be raised in this season of women who aren’t just accepting their bodies—they’re celebrating them, whether they’re rocking a size 2 or a size “Goddess.” She will see women who look like her succeed and show her that there are no limits to her bada$$-ery. She can play rugby, lift weights, or just lift her middle finger to societal expectations. 

 

Janet Smith is a proud mom of one daughter and a marketing professional who is grateful for her rural roots in the London area. Follow Janet’s funny and honest journey at IG & TT | @re.marketable.janet or FB | @janetsiddallsmith