I've heard this story before, but not seen this video. It really touched my heart. There's one quote that especially spoke to me, "I am not my body." As I struggle with being extremely overweight, as I have my whole life, I have always thought that people see me only from the outside. I know my father did. He thought I would never amount to anything because of my weight and managed to drill that into my head every day. But on the inside I was always screaming, "I am NOT my body." I am MORE than what you see, so much more. My spirit doesn't even resemble what you see, it is full of life and longs to be rid of what keeps it grounded. It wants to run and fly and be free of every ounce that keeps it from doing what others can do.
Yet, I know I am not the only one with this problem. I look around me and realize that others struggle with similar burdens, and not just with their weight, but things that make them feel LESS in the eyes of others. Maybe they don't like their hair, or they have a big nose or crooked teeth, whatever it is that keeps them from being all they can be because they are worried about what others might think. I know I am not alone.
It has taken me my whole life to realize that others can see through the fat and touch my spirit. And it's been a painful journey. A journey filled with disappointment, depression and self doubt. But now, because I chose to finally chase my own dream of writing, I am blessed with an abundance of friends and people who see me how I really am. I finally care enough about myself to seek out what makes me happy, the things that bring me joy and boost my confidence. The things that make me love myself so I can love others.
Wow, I really only wanted to repost this video for all of you to see, but instead opened a vein. Sorry about that. LOL Here's the video. Enjoy, and thanks for being my friend and seeing me how I really am.
I love NieNie's blog. She's amazing. And so are you.
ReplyDeleteBy their works shall ye know them, right? Beautiful people can be heartless, hollow shells--cruel and selfish. And people who don't fit the "norm" physically often are the hidden pearls we search for but never find.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
This is a very beautiful thought. And one I struggle with, especially when my health is bad. Thank you for the reminder. :D
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It speaks to so many people for many reasons. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteBeautfully written and very insightful!
ReplyDeleteChristine - I've always been a feelings sort of person. I could "feel" your spirit from the moment I saw you (yes, some people think I'm nutty). I knew you were an great someone I wanted to know get to know. You're obviously talented, giving and kind, to name a few attributes.
ReplyDeleteDepression, self-doubt - demon words I try to keep out of my life along with diet and taf (that's fat spelled backwards...ssshhh - I can't believe I even spelled it) In our house that is the F word that is the bad one. LOL
Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts and the video.
Wow, I went on and on.:)
((Hugs)) Christine--you've always had a special place in my heart. I really wish we lived closer so we could go out often and spend writerly moments together. *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteLuv you! :)
Chris, thank you so much for posting that. What an amazing woman. I just want you to know that as I've gotten to know you, I've come to really see YOU, and you're beautiful. It's hard to get past that outer layer - with everyone whether they be heavy or thin or disfigured or whatever, and see the REAL person. Thanks for the reminder and the validation. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI've never heard that story before. Thank you for sharing. I do think a lot of people probably struggle with this same thing. I know I do. Thanks for sharing. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI'm so bawling right now! This was so beautiful! Thank you for posting it and for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteJenni