I saw something today that should just never happen.
I was in a grocery store and I saw a mother and her daughter, who looked to be about 7 or 8 years old. The mother was asking her daughter what she wanted for snacks this week, placing a box of granola bars into the cart.
The daughter picked up the box, looked at the label, and said:
“Mommy this has 5 grams of FAT in it!!!”
The mother, obviously used to this from her daughter, said, “Well what do you want to eat then?” and removed the granola bars from the cart.
The daughter said, “Nothing!”
My heart just broke for her and her mother.
And I knew immediately what tonight’s post would be about.
So I must apologize for having to post-pone my baked goods and Part 2 of muscle soreness until tomorrow, but some things just take priority when I believe in it passionately!
Check out Caitlin’s challenge called Operation Beautiful! Caitlin is challenging all women to start leaving themselves sticky notes that have positive messages written on them like “I’m beautiful”. She also encourages you to leave positive notes in public places, like public washrooms to help other women stop the fat talk.
I know I am already doing it!
Tonight’s question:
What would you write to yourself?
oh my gosh, that is heartbreaking! i love your little notes, and caitlin’s post made me really think about my relationship with myself. gotta give myself a break ;) And pass the message along…
Thank you for making that video!!! it was so very touching and just the thing i needed to give the motivation to get through this day and stop thinking about how i feel about my life, but to get out and LIVE IT!!! thank you thank you thank you. :-)
This story makes me wnat to vomit….so sad
Angie! How do you always find a way to AMAZE me?! That is hands down the Best and most ispirational video I seen in a LONG time (probably EVER)! Keep up the wonderful work. Love You!
I’m just now crawling out of that hole of disordered eating. All with the help of your blog girly. I haven’t felt this good about food in a while. Thank you! Great post.
-Jessica
Excellent post! I have struggled with weight for over 30 years and am finally getting to a point that I want to be healthy, not the thin person society expects. Keep up your fantastic work!!!
Obsessing about my weight has caused me to not enjoy the moment, to not live my life for now. I feel like because it seems to at times consume my thoughts, that I miss out on some of the most beautiful experiences and moments because I am absorded in how my clothes fit, or what others think when they look at me.
It changes my moos, makes me aggitated at the ones I love because I am feeling miserable about my “image”. I know it is a waste of time and ridiculous, but at the same time…I cannot shake it.
I need to find balance…in my diet, in my level of activity and stop jumping around and engaging in the “all or nothing” syndrome.
Great post!!!
I think i would write that no matter what weight..I am beautiful and that reality isn’t losing 5 pounts per week if I AM trying to lose weight..reality is 1 pound per week and hitting plataus along the way!
LOVE the video! I would write myself a note that says you are beautiful and imperfections are real, wonderful and interesting. I would tell myself not to waste my time worrying about how I look and rather just be present in my everyday life. Learn to look at the bright side!
Thanks for the post. :)
I love the video, and the message, and you DO inspire me! I decided about a month ago that i couldn’t bear the obsession any longer either. I’m treating myself well, better than ever perhaps, and I realized just this morning that now that I’m doing these things, I wouldn’t even CARE what the scale said. I will never go back.
Thank you!!!
Note 1: Thank you for being wonderful, beautiful, loving YOU!
Note 2: You are someone’s inspiration.
i have no words.. thank you for this post, Angela.. I am honestly in tears right now This video makes me feel LIBERATED and EMPOWERED. I have bookmarked this page and plan on watching it often. You are such a positive role model Angela and i feel so fortunate to know such a strong woman who is willing to speak out against the insanity and ridiculousness of the media and woman’s struggle to be thin.
thank you again <3
This is my first post Angela, after starting to read your blog a few weeks ago. It is SUCH an important topic, one that most women (and men I’m sure) struggle with. I took a workshop last Saturday on making peace with your food and body and for the first time, I really “get it.” I’m done with the scale, with calorie counting and fat talk. I’ll get to my healthy and happy weight eventually, whatever number that ends up to be. I always think “This is the only body you’re getting in life. Be kind to it”.
I also work at a college and come into contact with hundreds of young women. I can’t even imagine how many of them deal with this issue. I’m going to bring this issue to the attention of our women’s center/residence halls, etc.
Thank you for posting this and for being a great role model!
Love this post, love this idea!
Wow, such an amazing video! I think just saying “You are enough” is something we do not do enough.
It is so sad what little girls are exposed to these days, and I fear it is just getting worse.
My roommate in college would shower first and after showering she would wipe away steam on the mirror and leave a message for me. It would usually be something alog the lines of “You’re beautiful Katie:)” This suprisingly really did make me feel beautiful and better about myself.
I really like the idea of leaving notes for others!
I wouldn’t be able to right now. That’s not looking for pity, it’s just being honest.
But I can leave a note for you:
Thank you.
You’re beautiful.
What a wonderful message to send out Angela! All the crap that we put ourselves through will NEVER be worth all the stress, frustration, and disappointment. It’s so important to learn to love your ENITRE self, every inch, just the way it is. Sure, it’s fun to look nice, but you will only be satisfied if you can love yourself behind all the skin and makeup.
“The only person I have to impress is myself.”
“Every minute I spend thinking negative thoughts about myself is a minute wasted.”
Thanks for taking the time for this discussion Angela!
xxoo
Heather
All of you continue to inspire me and amaze me each and every day!!!
I love:
YOU ARE ENOUGH.
So simple yet so perfect!!
Angela
What a great post! It’s such an important message for girls (and guys) of all ages!
I linked you on my blog, too.