Hello everyone,
As many of you know this blog is a new endeavor for me and frankly when I decided to write about fashion I did not think through how I would feel looking at my own pictures and having to feel proud of them. This has certainly been a lesson in feeling vulnerable and still putting myself out there. I have always considered myself a fashionista, but through the years I have gained and lost weight quite a bit and have been many different sizes.
I have been judged based on my size a lot too and it is not always easy to see the looks of disapproval of people or even hearing comments such as “You are so lazy!” “What are you two up to?” (Referring to only me), “You only eat sugar and sweets.” “Why don’t you eat healthier?” “Why don’t you exercise more?”
To be honest, I have been exercising on a regular basis for the past 15 years and it does not seem to help much as far as losing weight goes. I continue because I know it is the healthy thing to do but it does not help me lose weight. Therefore, people sho see my size assume I do not exercise because most people think those who exercise are skinny. I have tried many different diets in my lifetime too and while some were successful I have finally come to the conclusion that unless I want to live eating on a diet for the rest of my life I will never be able to maintain a lower weight. What I mean is that I would need to never eat anything I actually enjoy eating, because the day I go to a restaurant and have a treat I immediately gain weight which is very frustrating. So lately I have made the commitment to make some healthy choices when I can but I also don’t deprive myself of things I enjoy. I am just really careful so that I don’t continue gaining weight, rather I try to maintain my weight even though it is not an ideal weight.
Anyway, going back to making myself vulnerable, this blog has sure put me out there. I guess when I see myself in the mirror I don’t really see how big I am, when I see my pictures is when I realize where I really am. Don’t get me wrong, this has been great to help me accept myself and be comfortable in my own skin. I hope this blog can serve as an example and a comforting idea for other women out there who don’t always feel good about their shapes. I would also have to say, that buying beautiful clothes and accessories helps a lot when it comes to our self-esteem. I know we should be able to feel good about ourselves despite of material things but it is not always easy to look at the mirror and feel that way. It sure helps when you see yourself in a certain outfit that just makes you feel incredible. It can go a long way for your self-esteem and self-confidence.
So, my suggestion to all of you, is to get out there and find that one piece that makes you feel good. Frankly, it does not really matter what others think, what really matters is how YOU feel in the outfit that matters the most. Taste can vary so much from person to person that it would be very difficult to please everyone anyway. Also, another small tip is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money, you can find something you love and still be a bargain, which are my favorite finds. Many think that you can only look good if you spend a lot of money, I don’t think that is true, I am a savvy shopper and I always hunt for the good deals. Make sure you try things on and find that perfect piece.
Thank you for reading,
Juliana
Great article my dear friend!!