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When well-meaning folks said this to me when I was younger, I was quick to brush it off. A teenager possibly cannot fully comprehend the importance of experiences in life; good or bad. Today though, I realise how being called out for every little virtue or vice of mine has helped mould me. I know my strengths and weaknesses and am better equipped to utilise and improve upon them.
I’ve often introspected:
Was my weight holding me down from expressing myself better?
Were my creativity or hobbies influenced in any way by the extra kgs I was carrying?
Did people judge me as unkindly as I judged myself?
Did it affect my personality or the person I was and am I being paranoid about it now?
Is life only about trying to look good?
Self-observation teaches us quite a few interesting things. I never saw myself through rose-tinted glasses but am now tempted to try. This journey wasn’t laden on me by anyone else. Right or wrong, is an individual perception, although being more physically fit than many women my age is a kick I’ll happily take any day. I certainly won’t feel apologetic for the months of conscious effort I put in.
I’m more secure emotionally and mentally. I remember abhorring going shopping, for the prettiest dresses weren’t available in my size. The double chin made applying makeup tricky. Even as A egged me on, the umpteen promises I made to myself never materialised before. Imagine my delight now that I’m spoilt for choice. I’m vain may be, but happy, definitely!
Did you know that pocrescophobia is a fear of gaining weight? Amusingly, my aversion to high-calorie food has convinced everyone around me that I have it. (I doubt if they know there’s a word for it though.) Personally, I know there’s no place for any phobias in my life anymore. I’m blogging, reading, cooking up a storm, influencing my kids and have a revering husband. Life is good!
Self-love and a healthy lifestyle are a personal choice and responsibility. I’m glad to have documented the last few months of my life through this series. I gained immense confidence through the courage to take the reins of my life in my own hands. After all, every person, man or woman, owes this to himself. Thank you readers, for all your love.
This post has been written as a part of the #MyFriendAlexa activity by Blogchatter.
Blogger. Author. Editor. Content creator. Mom.
16 comments
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varsha.bagadia@gmail.com
Hi Varsh,
Beautiful post. Life is an unseen journey with ups and downs all along its way. It is important to keep moving forward and enjoy every bit of it.
Thanks for sharing, have a good day. ?
All’s well that ends well. You’ve reached your goal, and surpassed it too Varsha. What is commendable, is the internal journey that happened . Serendipitous, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
How wonderful! I don’t think its vain to celebrate your achievements, even if they center on personal appearance. You go girl! A true inspiration!
I totally adore the way you write. It is wonderful to celebrate smallest achievement. It keeps us happy and motivated. You truly are a inspiration
Celebrating personal milstones and achievements is actually quite enjoyable. Its a great motivator to start a new one too.
i like your spirit and keep it up. just love yourself and be what you are no need to change yourself for anyone else
This was an inspirational series of posts through which you shared your journey with us. Wishing you all the best for future too. Keep going.
Love this post! And I agree with those initial lines that we need to appreciate every good and bad experience that shaped us into who we are! With experience comes a wider perspective and more acceptance of ownself! Be happy always! ❤
It’s amaizng that you have gotten over your phobia. I am sure it’s not been easy and lovely reading this post.
Self love or introspection to start loving self is biggest favor one can do to self.
This is an inspiring post V.
Seriously after reading your blog feel as if everyone need to celebrate themselves.
You are a true inspiration.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Your posts are always motivating to move ahead in life and very much inspiring . And this one is another one which taught us another lesson of life. Great varsha ..
Beautiful. I never knew that the term pocrescophobia, which is a fear of gaining weight, existed in this world. Life needs to lives lives h and not with any baggage.
It’s not easy to embrace one’s imperfections as people around you pretend to be so perfect . But be kind to yourself as you are only person who is responsible for your happiness.
Wow such an amazing post! Never thought of life this way. I think everyone should be happy as they look and their life is ?
With every post I’m more convinced that you’re evolving and on a higher mental state. It’s such a wonderful place to be in. Inspiring and sharing we all grow with you too.