Kristi, thank you for another excellent, perspective-widening essay. As I was reading I was thinking that you likely carry yourself differently because you are fit and strong...then you wrote that exact thing. Being fit and strong gives us a certain energy, a physical and mental edge that go beyond the obvious benefits of exercise and that 'special something', in your case the strong vibes, is noticeable in the way a person carries themself and how they feel - just as the lack of it is also noticeable. While I am a thin person I have wavered between being fit and decidedly not fit many times in my life and it feels very different. I hope this comment makes sense. I was wrestling with the words trying to get it to come out right.
Donna, this made perfect sense, and I think you're 100% right. How we carry ourselves projects outwardly to the world. It's not just fit or fat but more about how we perceive ourselves, at least it seems that way. Than you for sharing. 💙
Body image. Cultural expectations. Fat shaming. All of it resonates both as someone with a history of body dysmorphic disorder and (a long, LONG time ago) anorexia. Even at a normal weight, I wasn't acceptable to my misogynistic husband. This is a topic that impacts all of us--women, disproportionately--and I'm glad I stumbled upon your post, Kristi. I wrote a post just today you might be interested in reading.
I'm sorry to hear you had that experience with your ex, although I know it's common. I'm glad this landed at just the right time. I'd love to read your post and please feel free to drop a link here so others may discover it.
Kristi, thank you for another excellent, perspective-widening essay. As I was reading I was thinking that you likely carry yourself differently because you are fit and strong...then you wrote that exact thing. Being fit and strong gives us a certain energy, a physical and mental edge that go beyond the obvious benefits of exercise and that 'special something', in your case the strong vibes, is noticeable in the way a person carries themself and how they feel - just as the lack of it is also noticeable. While I am a thin person I have wavered between being fit and decidedly not fit many times in my life and it feels very different. I hope this comment makes sense. I was wrestling with the words trying to get it to come out right.
Donna, this made perfect sense, and I think you're 100% right. How we carry ourselves projects outwardly to the world. It's not just fit or fat but more about how we perceive ourselves, at least it seems that way. Than you for sharing. 💙
I love that line about crushing them like bugs!
Thanks, A!
Body image. Cultural expectations. Fat shaming. All of it resonates both as someone with a history of body dysmorphic disorder and (a long, LONG time ago) anorexia. Even at a normal weight, I wasn't acceptable to my misogynistic husband. This is a topic that impacts all of us--women, disproportionately--and I'm glad I stumbled upon your post, Kristi. I wrote a post just today you might be interested in reading.
I'm sorry to hear you had that experience with your ex, although I know it's common. I'm glad this landed at just the right time. I'd love to read your post and please feel free to drop a link here so others may discover it.
Thank you!
https://deanneames.substack.com/p/anorexia-remembered?r=5d2xq0