Plus Size Is The New Fun Size | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Plus Size Is The New Fun Size

Confidence will make you happier than any diet ever will.

27
Plus Size Is The New Fun Size
Pixabay

Beginning at a young age, I was always a little heavier than my peers. I have had to live with the criticism at school and at home. I was constantly made fun of for my size which has left everlasting scars. I was body shamed to the point that I started body shaming myself. I avoided pictures, mirrors, and clothes that would show my arms or legs. This practice followed me into college.

However, I discovered new shapes and sizes at my public university. Students were being unapologetically confident. There were women the same size as me that were wearing shorts and tank tops, clothes I only dreamed of feeling confident in. So I — dare I say it? — wore a tank top in public. It was so freeing. These arms that I always saw as big floppy pieces of skin turned into a statement. Something that I had always made an effort to hide was now out to the public for everyone to see.

Gradually, I let people take pictures with me. I didn’t tell them to retake the photo or permit them from posting on social media. I accepted what the picture reflected. This gradual increase in self-love is not perfect. I am constantly held back by my low-self esteem. There are still days where I want to hide my round stomach and stretch marks under mounds of covers where nobody can see them. There are even weeks where I don’t want to be under the public eye, but then I have to realize their eyes are not on me.

Slowly, media is starting to recognize plus size as a normal size. The first plus size woman, Ashley Graham, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2016. More plus size actors are being cast and clothing lines have started to expand their sizes. Change is happening to make plus size people feel more comfortable in their own world. However, plus size people must be comfortable with themselves first. This is not an easy feat, and for most, it does not come naturally. We must take risks and step out of our comfort zone to overcome prejudice.

Many times, plus size people are seen as unhealthy. Others assume that they don’t take care of themselves and that they are lazy. I can only speak for myself and my friends when I say, we are strong, independent, and healthy individuals. My blood pressure is normal, I don’t get sick all the time because my immune system is poor, and I enjoy taking hikes and playing sports. I break the mold of the stereotypical “fat” person and push the boundaries.

Next on my body acceptance journey is to have a boudoir photo shoot. I want to celebrate my shape and really get outside of comfort zone with allowing pictures to be taken of me in a vulnerable situation. I want to be proud of my physicality and not be afraid of it. By taking these giant steps for myself, I hope that I can be a positive role model to others who are not proud of their curves, scars, and bumps. I want to show others that it is empowering to show them off. With small steps like these, we can change the way people perceive plus size people and break boundaries in the process.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17042
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7312
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5372
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4681
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments