As we all know, there been a lot of negative press in the past couple of months about being fat. And there’s been some amazing comebacks, including the fabulous #wearethethey campaign set up by the lovely Debz.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I am fed up of negativity of any sort at the moment, including the kind I give to myself!
And so, expanding on an idea from A Curvy Cupcake, here are my five plus size promises to myself. I am me, I deserve love and respect, and I am going to start by giving myself some!!!
1. To blog more regularly, on a wider range of topics.
Most of my blog is based on my experiences, adventures and changes. I love blogging in this way, and it also acts as a lasting memory of some of the things I have done. However, I would like to branch out a bit more and look at some of the clothes I wear, trying things out of my comfort zone, and giving my opinions. I love to cook… So how about some amazing cakes or calorific pasta dishes?Having some blogs of this kind might mean I lose some viewers, as it might not be what they want to read about. But I have to take that risk. You never know, I might reach more? Either way, I blog for me and what I want to say, and if people read it, then I am really honoured.
2. To stop worrying about putting myself ‘out’ there at StyleXL
I know that I am worrying unnecessarily. I am in a safe, encouraging, welcoming environment. Filled with lovely, supportive, wonderful, plus size people. There is nothing for me to be frightened of. In fact, it’s probably going to be the most accepting environment that I have ever put myself out into. However, there’s that 40+ years of hiding away and not participating, that I have to overcome. And I will! I am equal parts ecstatic and terrified. BUT one thing I do know, it’s going to be amazing!
3. To be kinder to myself and less critical
I think it is easy for all of us to be guilty of this one. Whether it be the way we look, that cake we have just eaten, that power nap we needed, that blog we never got round to finishing, the housework that got put off for another episode of a TV show etc. We are all human, and deserve to have that little treat, or that hour chilling out, or even that big slab of carrot cake that we have been fantasising about.
But instead of feeling guilty, and criticising myself for indulging, I need to learn to celebrate the fact that I made that choice, and enjoyed every second of it. Why shouldn’t I have a little treat every now and then?
For too long, I have beat myself up over every and anything. And what purpose does it serve? It just makes me feel bad about myself, and that is ridiculous! I am an adult and I choose to live my life the way I see fit.
4. To wear more clothes outside my ‘comfort zone’
As I live in swing/full circle dresses whenever I am not in my work uniform, it is very easy to get stuck in that style. However, it is a style that I absolutely love. Recently at two blogger meet ups, I have bought dresses that are well out of my comfort zone. Clingy, bodycon dresses that show off every bump and lump. And you know what? I absolutely love them! I need to get a few more things like this in my wardrobe, and to actually wear them out in public.
5. To try and learn more about being an active member of the plus size blogging community.
Due to my “novice” status, I have hung around on the outskirts of the blogging community for a little while, reading blogs from lots of the plus size ladies. And I love every one of them. I have started to participate more now, posting in the community groups, and attending one or two meetups. I’ve loved meeting so many of you, and can’t wait to catch up even more.
It is my goal to blog more regularly, be more proactive on posts, blogger challenges and events, and attend as many functions/meet ups that I can.