ALL BODIES ARE WORTHY
Today I attended a local spinning class in town. It was a fundraising event, and the proceeds went to the people of Ukraine. Just before it was about to start, it looked like it was going to rain, but the sun pulsed through the clouds, and we stayed dry on our bikes underneath the outside tarp. The class was forty-five minutes and we completed weight exercises during one of the songs. At the end of the class the teacher led us in some deep stretches- a perfect way to end the class. As we cleaned off our bikes and re-racked our weights all the participants were asked to stand together for a photo opportunity. Quickly the other woman in the class scattered to the back row. One woman said, “this is the hardest part of the class” and she was referring to taking the picture. Most of the women seemed self-conscious on how they would look in the photos. I proudly stood by the teacher in front. Full recovery from an eating disorder has taught me to NOT APOLOGIZE for my body and instead love it, respect it, and put it on display in healthy ways. Even though I volunteered for a good cause I left the event feeling sad. Let’s work to end size- and fat-stigma. What if you fell asleep tonight and woke up feeling comfortable in your skin? I know for some of you it is hard to imagine but try.
Bodies, at any size, are worthy. Let’s say it again! All bodies are worthy!
