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?
I love that this topic is being discussed! Thank you for the inspirational video.
I can’t believe that happened either! Sometimes when I see or hear things like that I want to shield whoever that is from those thoughts. I try to live and think positively and I hope to exude that so other people can embrace it too. I know one thing I am against vocalizing is how one piece of cake will make me fat or something ridiculous like that. I don’t like to say “I’m a fat ass” when I’m indulging, even though I heard that sooo much from other people. I know they mean it jokingly, but I think it must have a subconscious affect. I mean people have such a twisted view on what food does to the body. It’s all these diet products and achieving “thinness”.
Jen, this is the best line of the night.
“thanks, body, for sticking with me even when i’m an abusive jerk.”
My, God, how true is that. No matter how much I’ve resricted, over exercised, binged, given up on myself, hated myself…my body keeps going and moving.
My note to myself:
Look at all you’ve done. Look where you’ve come from. Look where you are. You are strong, smart, fun, successful and beautiful.
Thanks for posting this, Angela! There are so many women that torture themselves over their weight. It’s not just young girls either. There are a couple of women in their 30s & 40s at my gym who are clearly anorexic and starving themselves. Let’s send them love & help them remember that they are beautiful!
I absolutely love this video! So simple, yet so inspiring. Exactly what I needed!
I love that you are talking about this important issue. Like many women I have had bouts of disordered eating over the years, but no matter where I am in that journey, I ALWAYS tell myself that when I have children I would never show them anything but how to eat healthy and to love themselves!
I came over here from Caitlin’s journal, and I just have to say, you are gorgeous. :) I’ve added you to my reader. No, not just cuz you’re pretty, but because so many of my favorite blogs recommend you!
amazing! :)
Thanks for another positive blog post, I’m so pleased I started reading your blog, I think you have a really great attitude. Keep up the good work, that was exactly what I needed to hear/see/read this morning, thank-you!
I can’t see your video :(
wow, that video is so powerful and reminded me why im trying to recover from an ed….for freedom, for a life and because life free of an obsession with my weight is something worth fighting for. thanks for posting this ange :) you have no idea how inspiring this is for me!
I love the idea of treting yourself as you would a good friend. What a great idea.
My note would say “You are stronger than you think you are.” It’s something my mother said to me one of the many times I was selling myself short and questioning my own abilities.
Excellent post and video!! I used to express myself through videos like this, but that was when YouTube still allowed posting of videos set to music. I’m curious about how you were able to put this video online. I’d love it if you sent me a quick e-mail to tell me about it. I miss making videos, but when I can’t share them with anyone, it makes them feel less therapeutic.
Again, valuable post and video!!
I cannot tell you how much this post hit home for me. I have been reading your blog since March, and you have truly been an inspiration to me. I have had this weight obsessive mentality since I was 12. I am 33 now and have an 8 year old daughter. Since I started reading your blog I have quit counting points and have recently quit weighing myself. It has been so freeing and empowering. I do not want my daughter to think that these behaviors are okay and that it is all about being skinny and seeing that “perfect” number on the scale. Food is meant to fuel our bodies and to be enjoyed. That is what I want her to know. It is so sad that this way of thinking is commonplace among women. Many of us seem to want to get away from it, but we don’t. I think it is definitely time to break the cycle. Thanks for the great messages that you send.
My relationship with myself is my most important as well. I was lucky enough to be taught this by my mother at a young age. People will always come and go in my life, but I have put up with myself forever, so I better learn to love myself!!
Just Awesome! I’m going to post your link on my blog. Thank you again!!!!!!
WOW. What an absolutely inspirational video.
Goodbye to the hate talk. I would tell myself…”I am a wonderful person and if others can’t see that, that is THEIR loss!”
Thank you–this really hit home for me. I truly believe in affirmations ala Louise Hay. What would mine say, “I love me just as I am.” Thank you for reminding me that I am more than the numbers on the scale and my clothes!!
That is awesome – we all need a little help in reminding ourselves that we are enough, each and every day. Thank you for all you do Angela – I know we are all so lucky to have someone around that reminds us of these things :).