#UnapologeticallyMe series: Part 1- Introduction
I’ve always considered it odd that not all actions are praised equally.
While I must make it clear that I am not against praising people for their achievements, I feel it is important to honour both sides of the story.
This idea came to me recently in response to an article in a popular Women’s magazine. The article was titled ‘The Healthy Mummy’ and featured many women who had lost weight using a special diet programme. They were praised for this and there was advice for those looking to emulate their success.
While I have no problem with this, I feel it is important to acknowledge that this isn’t the only way to be ‘Healthy’.
The popular idea that losing weight is good is a big reason why people develop eating disorders. This magazine regularly features heartbreaking stories about those whose lives have been lost due to anorexia, and I find it incongruous that later in the magazine is diet advice. Where is the balance and guidance?
The magazine rarely features stories that are about recovery from eating disorders, and there is no advice about maintaining a healthy weight or about being happy in your own body.
Sadly, that’s not all! There were plenty of guilt inducing comments in that article (I’m never having carbs again! No more chocolate for me!) and there has always been an undercurrent of ‘Thin Is In’ in this and many other magazines. I was shocked and horrified by the implications of that.
I say enough is enough! Instead of just praising those who lose weight to become healthier, we should praise those who maintain and gain weight too. We should show people eating all types of food and show the full range of body types.
As an aside: Unless you have been advised by a doctor or other medical professional, you can eat whatever you want! Listen to your body and don’t feel guilty about it! We’ve only got one life, don’t live it in fear and misery!
This may seem like a pipe dream, but the change has to start with society. We must all avoid bullying people about their appearance and what they eat, and we should endeavour to call others out when they do.
This whole situation got me thinking about an idea for a campaign to rival theirs. This was the genesis of #UnapologeticallyMe, a campaign to stop people feeling ashamed about the way they live their lives. While this started with body image concerns, I quickly realised that there are many things people feel bad about that they needn’t.
Shame can compound the problems for anyone, and is the most common reason why situations worsen. If you feel bad then why would you try to take steps to improve your situation? If your situation gets worse then you feel worse as a result. It’s a vicious circle and one that can only be broken out of by removing the shame.
Many older people say the top thing they’ve learned is to stop caring what others think and to do whatever you want. What about those who are yet to come to this conclusion? What about those who are suffering right now due to shame? This series is for you!
This series will contain thoughts on many subjects including gender and sexual orientation, finance and careers, mental health conditions and many more! Enjoy reading!
I am #UnapologeticallyMe. Are you?