I remember being in Punta Cana on the beach, being lazy and just people watching. There were very few Americans there, and a lot of Europeans. A couple of days in we started talking about the overall difference in the demeanor and appearance of all of the people around us. Big men in little Speedos happily playing with their children, and every so often stopping to give their wives a kiss. Women sunbathing topless...NORMAL women...not your american average size 4. And not one time did we ever see someone looking self conscious, covering up, or being ashamed. That beach was a happy place full of carefree people enjoying their vacation, enjoying each other, and living in the moment without stopping to be worried about what some other person might be thinking. It seemed to us that Europeans, and perhaps all people not born and raised in the US, had a leg up on us about simply being happy, and maybe a little less inhibited. They were comfortable with their bodies. Brian and I talked about the beaches in Florida and California, how different it is, and how we have developed this really scary preoccupation with our weight in the United States. Isn't it sad that although a day at the beach may sound like a heavenly retreat, many people won't go because they are afraid or uncomfortable? I've been one of those people so many times. How much have I held back in life because of this? How much fun am I missing out on being worried that I'll LOOK silly? Is it worth it? Aren't we all just human? Why do we choose so many times to try to conform and live by someone ELSE'S standards for OUR lives? Isn't that the most ridiculous thing ever?
I think so! Sure, be healthy, eat your vegetables, get some exercise, and do the best you can to take care of your body, but do it for the right reasons. Why should we ever feel ashamed, embarrassed, or shy about our weight...it is who we are and does not make us any less beautiful!!! And you know what is the most beautiful thing ever??? A smile...to see a person enjoying the short time that we have here...carving their own path, and creating their own happiness.
Of course the only reason I'm writing about this (and the only reason I write about anything) is that I struggle with it. I feel like I have to fit into a mold in order to be beautiful, and by doing that I am leaving it up to someone else to decide that I am good enough. It's such horse shit! And I know this, so by blogging it have officially added it to the list of things to remember when I'm having a "fat" (again..horse shit!) day.
Love to all.... :)
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