I'm 38 and I don't feel a day over 76!
A couple of weeks ago, we received a message from someone wanting a size chart for our wide band leggings. So, I went on as I always do: One size fits sizes 2-12, curvy sizes 14-22, and 3X/4X sizes 22-24.
I went on to say I was a size 14 and although I could fit into the one size, I felt most comfortable in curvy. Her response to me was, “Thanks, but I’m not fat.”
“I’m not fat.”
I heard her say “I’m not fat like you.” “I can control myself. I’m not gross like YOU.”
I wonder if she ever put herself in my shoes - does she know the embarrassment, the shame, the anger I’ve had with my weight over the years? The body struggles I’ve had since I was 17? Does she know how it feels to be lonely and the only thing that made me feel good (even for a fleeting moment) was that beer, or brownie, or breadstick? Does she realize how awful life felt when my husband had surgery as a consequence of cancer (he's healthy now!), how I played the roles of wife, mom, business owners, caretaker, boss, chef, role model, cheerleader when it took every ounce of my being not to crawl into my bed and cry and cry? How providing my family with homemade food was the most powerful form of love I knew how to control? Did she have a boyfriend in college who told her how fat and disgusting she was, and remind her he said these things because he loved her?
Why do we allow strangers dictate our feelings? Keyboard warriors appear strong, but we all know those with the harshest opinions have deep feelings just like the rest of us.
I replied by saying we will not accept body shaming of any kind, and I apologized for my shop not being a good fit for her. Needless to say, she never ordered. I hope you know when you shop with us, we are NEVER judging your body! It’s taken me a very long time, some therapy, and some more therapy to realize my body issues are within my own mind.. Which also gives us the power to let go of them. Who benefits by us hating ourselves?? NOBODY!
Please girlfriend, the next time you look at yourself in the mirror, notice the beauty you are. Those stretch marks on my belly (and legs.. And probably other places where I can’t see very well) are reminders of when my babies were the best behaved (hardy har har!). I can begin to see slight muscle definition on my shoulders which makes me proud of my daily exercise routine. My toes.. Hmm.. well I think I need to give some love to them.. Maybe a fresh shave and a paint job. (Don’t lie.. You have hairy toes too!!!! Right?? RIGHT??! No?? Yeah me either 🥴) Do I LOVE my body..?? Not always.. But I sure like her a lot more than I used to. I hope you find some things to love about your body too.
There is a place in RUDENESS HELL for that girl. WHAT A TROLL. AN unhappy TROLL.
I’m so sorry that somebody was stupid enough to make a comment like that. I am amazed every day at the crap that people say while hiding behind a screen. Unfortunately a lot of people feel justified in saying exactly what’s on their mind no matter the hurt it may cause. They claim they are just being honest. No sister, you’re just being rude and uninformed. I’m super proud of you Cori and what you have built up and turned an amazing business, while still being a fantastic mother and wife. You’re also pretty darn good writer. 👍🏻😁💪🏼💄
Beautiful and the inside is more important and I love you have beautiful clothes for all of women no matter what size we are. Huggs
In this world where allot of moments are HARD, SAD, CRUEL, etc., allot of people find it easier to be critical than to be that one person who lifts you up, is kind, supportive and to Love like Jesus! It is so hard to let those comments go, it seems to define us, but when we allow ourselves to come back to our truth, just like it was said in the movie “The Help” You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important!! Keep telling yourself that!!
I hear ya girlfriend… lifelong issues with my body. Grandma started it at about 10 asking me why I wasn’t as skinny as my cousin… and then in later years my own mother saying.. well if you lost weight your knees might not bother you… btw, my weight has nothing to do with my pain! LOL
I can truly relate to that having dealt with weight issues all my life. Even though I’ve lost some weight now, I will always look in the mirror and see that heavier person that was shamed for years. Even in ways that seem innocent, like “should you be eating that”? People need to learn to keep things to themselves.
And I’m crying. Good tears. I could’ve written this, and I’m proud that I can consider an amazing woman like yourself a long distance friend. ❤️❤️❤️ And my toes are hairy. And my heels….can’t address those right now. 😂. My mom emailed my current husband/then boyfriend asking him if he thought I was getting too fat, and that if I was, she could take care of it, because she’s had to watch my eating over the years.” Image obsessed mothers make for the best childhood! 😂
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Joanie Hansen
March 04, 2020
Girl you are so up lifting. You have been through so much & yet we all see what a beautiful woman you are, inside and out. Your thoughts & words are encouraging & I wish more people in this world had your attitude! It has been (& still is) wonderful to see how you have blossomed! ❤️