So does YOUR size really matter???

Following on from the article we recently posted Does size really matter? It also turned my thoughts towards our personal size and size, style, type and colour of our clothes and the impact that it has on our self-esteem and confidence. Also on the value we place on ourselves. During the Covid years’ retail did change quite significantly towards far more ‘lounge wear’ and elasticated, comfort clothing. Which possibly added to increased snacking as we were all trapped at home.

None of us had ever experienced a ‘lockdown’ the not having our usual daily routine, having to get up at set times, go to work and mix with other people. Which often impacts your choice of clothes etc!! Back to the conforming to what expectations we feel others have. In fact it really was the minority that used that time to look after themselves, eat healthily and be more active – the mindset seemed to be ‘what’s the point’

Sadly that isn’t a helpful mindset as it’s not accepting responsibility for ourselves. That time could have been a major turning point in deciding it was what YOU wanted, you did it for you, and only you. Your weight, shape, size, style, colour and choice of what you wear has no impact on anyone else. But it definitely does on you. When you decide you want to become that happier, healthier, fitter person, remember it is your choice!

This is an honest, brave and frank account of the very real impact size has had:

“It shouldn’t because we should value ourselves. But sadly after being aware that I was bigger than most throughout my teenage years I was always feeling inadequate. Then I became aware of dieting 🥳🥳 At 18 I realised you were what you ate 😪 So started the beginning of my dieting culture that I am still living by at 60. If I can’t control my weight I’m a bad person. Because others think I’m greedy, stupid and lazy. And if I allow myself for a second I agree I’m a waste of space!!!! At 32 alcohol came in to add to the confusion. Before then I just wanted to end my life because I wasn’t enough but wow once you add alcohol to the equation life gets more complicated. I realised I could eat if I drank and I could forget how much I hated myself but gradually that didn’t work anymore and I was just left with hate for myself.  But yes size does matter if it affects your life”

All too often we are judged by others regarding our shape and size, and it can be very difficult to get past another’s view of us. However it isn’t about them – it’s about how you feel about yourself!!

When deciding to make significant lifestyle changes, they should always be because it’s your decision and choice, it should never be for someone else!!

Here is another honest, brave and frank account:

“I was always slightly overweight, everyone said it was puppy fat and I would grow out of it, I never did. It never impacted my early childhood I was surrounded by friends and I wasn’t particularly aware of it being an issue. Then my parents split up and we had to move away. It could have been a reason to turn to food, and so I did. I had to make new friends and a new life as well as being distraught over the break-up. I was 14 and it was tough. I made new friends and I had convinced myself that jeans were not for me, my legs were too fat, my thighs definitely were. So I never wore them, but all my friends did and looked fabulous. I felt on the outside, never wore shorts or swimwear at school, wasn’t brave or confident enough. I tried every homemade diet possible and I did lose weight. I fit in!!!! Time passed and I met my husband to be, he loved crisps, chocolate and cake, so I matched him bar for bar! He never changed weight- sadly I did. We all have choices in life and eventually I reached the point where it was affecting my confidence and self-esteem, it was time to make changes, to stop being a victim to a weight problem and to do it for me. So pleased I did!”

You have got the capability to transform your life, to turn it around. But you have to remember that you have to want to do it, to be prepared to do whatever it takes, to change your habits, your behaviours, your responses and to learn that the foods you used to love don’t love you back!!

There will always be outside influences that could, if you let them, affect your thoughts, feelings and ultimately, your actions. It may have always happened in the past, but you DO have the power to reverse it.

Learn what does work for you, maybe keep away from the “loose lounge wear” stick more to structured, fitted clothes when relaxing, go for different styles and colours, step outside your comfort box, you might be surprised at the effect it can have. Value yourself for who you are and change the things that are making you unhappy. Life is for living to it’s fullest and you deserve to be happier in you.

The realisation that there will be things you can’t change, and may never be happy about can also empower you to achieve what you can with everything else.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And the wisdom to know the difference

reinhold neibuhr