You know what – I may be an overweight woman, but I’m pretty cute, if I do say so myself. There are days when my negative body image takes control, but when I’m thinking realistically and impartially, I must say, I’m a looker. I have beautiful eyes, my hair has some really gorgeous golden highlights in it (which are natural) and I have naturally curly hair too. Notice I’m not telling you that I’m a really nice person, or that I have a sweet spirit – those things are true, of course, but who wants to hear that? I’m talking about myself physically, and I’m cute.
Regardless of your weight, you’ve got scads of marvelous features about you, too. I can’t see you right now, otherwise I’d point them out, but go look in the mirror. Look past the parts of you that you don’t like, and think about the parts you do. Make a list of all the ways in which you are so cute.
I have a friend who weighs probably 350 pounds, but that does not stop her from looking her nicest at all times. No slumpy sweats for her – she wears nice clothes, with matching jewelry and shoes. Her hair is always styled beautifully, and she’s really classy-looking. She’s not letting her weight keep her from looking her best, and neither should we.
On “What Not to Wear,” stylists Clinton and Stacy talk about the importance of playing up your best feature and accentuating the narrowest part of you. My narrowest part is around my rib cage, and I’ve found that if I get a top with a band or some other detail right there, it does help give me a more slender shape. Look in the mirror again and identify your slenderest part. How can you play that up to your advantage?
In addition, what colors look best on you? What fabrics are most flattering? You can dress yourself nicely no matter what the size – and no matter what the budget. Second-hand shops carry plus-sized clothing, and if there’s a consignment shop in your area, you might find some nice name brands as well.
So I’m encouraging you – forget the myth that fat people have to wear sweats and T-shirts in unflattering colors. You may not have the body you want right now, but that’s no reason to stop honoring yourself. Show some self-respect in your appearance, and that will carry over into the way you treat yourself, which will result in weight loss. Be nicer to yourself!
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Tristi Pinkston is a full time blogger in Media Reviews and LDS. Click here to read her other blogs.