“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is one of the biggest lies ever told. I learned to use the phrase in hopes to combat the hurtful words of children. I recall reciting the above idiom while I fought back tears from what someone said to me. In most cases, I think words can hurt more than being physically hit. Usually when we are punched, kicked, or slapped the initial impact is painful, but it subsides after a certain amount of time. However, the sting of words can last for several years.

A lot of people aren’t too fond of the word fat and I admit that I used to be one of them. In the past I viewed being called fat as an insult. I can recall being called fat at the age of 12. The encounter made me feel embarrassed, unattractive, and just plain sad. I remember the incident vividly, I was at choir rehearsal and we were standing in the hallway practicing our entrance for an upcoming service. The guy that was standing in front of me, whose name and face I remember, was a lot taller than me – I said, “You’re too tall to be right here.” He turned to me and said, “You’re too fat to be right here.” My feelings were hurt to the point that I was still upset by his words on the following day. Here I sit 29 years later and I still remember the emotions I experienced that day.

I believe the word is disliked because of the negative connotation it can carry. But, what would happen if we began to look at words differently? As I’ve stated before, there are several definitions for the word fat – I encourage you to look it up. Those of you who follow me know I like to invite readers to look at things from a different perspective. Especially topics that are typically viewed as negative. Who said you have to accept someone else’s definition of a word or more importantly, someone else’s view of you? And what is stopping you or me from creating our own definitions and views?

When I realized I didn’t like the word fat I decided to create a definition for it to inspire me to look at it differently. I shared my creation in a previous post and I am going to share it again; well filled out, well stocked, and being substantial and impressive.

I am well filled out and substantially impressive – I am fat. What’s your definition?

Until the next time, be you and most importantly – love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B.