I'm not really fat. At least not as fat as I THINK I am.
Or maybe I am... maybe I'm actually FATTER than I think I am.
I'll never know the truth, my self-image is distorted beyond repair.
I think most women (and many men) can relate, you think you look one way, then you get a quick glance in a passing mirror, or in a window reflection, and you don't even recognize yourself. More times than not, the person looking back is heavier than you thought.
It happens a lot. I think, how could I let myself get like this?
But then, time for a little perspective. I'm really only about 20-25lbs over weight. I mean, I could lose 40 lbs, but for my frame, it would be way too thin. To look my best, I'm sure 20-25 lbs would be perfect.
Then I'm reminded of once when I WAS 25 lbs lighter, I thought "if only I was 10 lbs thinner."
It's a vicious cycle that never ends. But how did it start? When was the first time I looked in the mirror and hated the person looking back at me? When did my insecurities begin? When was the tipping point?
Fifth grade, I was 10 years old.
I've always felt inferior to my peers. My perceived weight was only part of it. The fact that I was the only "black" child in an all white school played a huge role, but that's a different article altogether.
So I was always different. I stood out. My hair was different, my clothes were not as cool as everyone else's, my family looked much different than others. These differences I was growing to embrace: I was unique, an individual.
But then there was my weight. Looking back, I know I wasn't even overweight. I wasn't a fat child by any definition of the word, but I wasn't a stick either. I was healthy. I ate healthy foods, along with the usual childhood fare of candy, chips and soda. I exercised daily, rode my bike everywhere, walked to and from school, swam every day during the summer. So how did this all start? My mother, I think.
I can vividly remember, it was the summer of 1983. I had just gone swimming. I was standing on our deck, dripping wet still, and my mother looked me up and down and said, "Wow, you look like you lost a few pounds!" Up until that moment, I hadn't even realized that I needed to lose a few pounds. What to some may sound like a great compliment, for me, began a lifelong struggle with weight, body-image and self-esteem.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Chantal, I think you are the double-plus superfly coolest - thanks for sharing this and your children and husband are very lucky.
2 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Chantal,
It is a wise woman indeed who knows what she doesn't wasn't to pass on to her children...
You have lucky kids. But you have a whole culture to contend with as your kids get older - not that I have to remind you...
3 - chantal stone
Eric and Ruvy...thank you very much...
Ruvy, as far as the culture my daughters will encounter...I figure if I do a good enough job early on, they will be fine, regardless of what society is doing or thinking--or not thinking, as the case may be.
thanks again.
4 - swingingpuss
And BTW, you are a gorgeous woman :)
5 - chantal stone
Thank you for your kind words, swingingpuss....and I get your point about not letting remarks like that get to you.
As an adult, certainly I've learned to let things go (even when certain members of my extended family seem to keep them coming, however, I'm not sure if one ever totally recovers from feeling that sting as a child.
All we can do is learn, and try to not make the same mistakes.
6 - lori
thanks for sharing your story. your awareness will get you through anything!
7 - gonzo marx
wonderfully written chantal....thanks for sharing with us
on a side note, you should have no worry about doing to your children the harm your mother obviously did to you...
how do i know this?
because you are Aware of the problems it causes, so i am certain you will not make that particular mistake...
no worries, you will make your own mistakes...we all do
Excelsior?
8 - chantal stone
thanks gonzo...and you're absolutely right
9 - Jet in Columbus
EVERYBODY SING!!! Nov. 15....
Haaaaaaaaaaappy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Happy Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrday dear Chantaaaaaaaaaaaall
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!
I wanna spank her'
No, me! me!
I called dibbs!
Why I aughta
Love Hugs and Kisses
Jet