Round Is A Shape

“Round is a shape,” became my token phrase quite a while back, directed toward any and every individual that decided to make the shape of my body their business. I began using this phrase in response to the constant endurance of ridicule, name calling and body shaming. Telling myself first that round is a shape helped me to settle the internal struggle within myself; the battle of knowing my worth or conforming to the conditioning stereotypes of society. Accepting that round is a shape provided an outlet for me to be able to deal with the ignorance of others. The acceptance of who I was to myself and freeing myself from the shame that others disgustingly forged upon me with their ridicule, opened my mind to accepting that everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. Since the harsh words I heard from others about me no longer tore me down I could hear their perspective without being offended. I finally discovered me and I loved me. (Maybe just a little too much at times.)

I was a fat baby, that grew into a fat little girl, then to becoming a fat teenager, and eventually I grew to be a fat grown woman. Well, guess what world all the broadcasted headliners I so inconveniently received from all the concerned citizens of our judgmental society, thank you. Thank you for every joke you told about my “OddyBody”...

and all of the “Flat as a board, as heavy as a whale” chants you so carelessly chanted in my honor. Thank you to each individual whom in their sarcasm or condescending voice felt the need to give me nick names like shamu, rotunda, voluptuous vixen, cow, and heifer. For every person that thought it to be entertaining to ask me inappropriate questions such as “Hey, when is your baby due?”, when I was a mere ten-years-old. I never really needed the random encouragement given to me on weight loss techniques or programs. I cannot recall a single time that I felt complemented by the comment being made of just how pretty my face is, even though I am such a big girl.

Only the people of the “fat world” can truly understand the internal mental anguish you face when you are doing everything you possibly can to turn the shape of your body into that of which shape is a socially acceptable body shape. For me to stay grounded and keep my sanity through my “fat” life, I had to fight back. It was time for the authentic me to shine, to speak up and speak out against any form of body shaming. I own a mirror and can see my own reflection, just as every person that chose to share their opinion of my body shape could see me; I did not need to constantly hear how others viewed my body shape as imperfection to their standards. I am perfectly capable and aware of my shape. I do not need your unsolicited advice on how to get into shape. Memo to you I am in a shape, its round. Round is a shape, one that I learned even before I went to school. There is no need for you to spew out the fad of the moment to me about the absolutely guaranteed new weight loss system, it will do just about as much good as the last one by only providing me a set up for failure and disappointment. I am perfectly capable of reading all about what new fad the world is selling for the newest weight loss antic. I have participated in enough “fad of the moment” weight loss programs/systems, that I should be certified to teach lessons about them, and you know what, I am still round. I do not need words like voluptuous being used as a descriptive word about me, especially not with the underlying disgust bleeding right through your words. My mother did not name me Shamu and I am not a cow or a heifer. I am a human being. After many attempts to meet societies standard of body image, I am still round.

The worlds negative comments no longer damage my view on myself. Yes, I am a bit round, but it is not affecting my health, so if you do not like the way I look then do not look at me. I am not fat, I am “Phat”. (Person healing after Trauma), I am in shape. Last I knew we all learn our shapes at a young age, most prior to a formal education. Round was a shape back then and round is a shape now. As for me being pretty, cause even though I’m a big girl, I have a pretty face. Well, if you are a person that judges the beauty of another person by the shape of their body, you are not the kind of person needed in my phat life. I am a beautiful, round woman because I have a kind heart, I am a loyal and honest person that has always looked beyond the things that are out of others control and see them for who they are.

I am unique, as are you. Be the authentic you. Remember that what other people think about you, really is not your business. So, if you hear it, shelf it and continue living in the skin you are in, shining as the best version of you; the one that loves you for you. If you are a person reading this that has dealt with or is currently dealing with body image issues, I want to leave you with this special message:

As long as your doctor is not concerned that the shape of your body is causing or potentially could cause you health issues, and you love yourself just the way you are, then society needs to get in their own lane. You were beautifully made to be the unique individual that you are to live the best version of your life JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

Sincerely with Hope

Yours truly,

Fat 2 Phat…

Round is a shape

&

I ROCK IT DAILY