Livin Large and Lovin It

It’s January 3rd 2K10 and after all the prep, pomp and circumstance, the holidays are a done deal. Time to take down the decorations, put away the leftover wrapping paper and throw out the leftovers (I am placing a personal moratorium on consuming turkey at least the next 4 months).
I usually don’t make resolutions because I hate breaking promises, especially to myself.
Undoubtedly you’ve probably already heard somebody declare their goal is to lose weight. If you haven’t – I certainly have, at least 10 times from 10 different people already.
I was minding my business today, washing my hands in the restroom and these two chicks were discussing their holidays and inevitably, the question was asked, “Did you make any resolutions?” Both of the ladies did not appear to have any discernible excess flesh but here is how their conversation went:
“Oh girl I have to lose some of this weight. I have just let myself go.”
“I know what you mean. I am getting as big as a house. All this weight is just not healthy.”
I looked up just in time to catch the one with her back to me jerk her head in my direction. When the other one saw me looking at them in the mirror, she grabbed her friend’s arm and dragged her towards the door. When they got to the other side they both began laughing.
I laughed too.
For anyone reading this who has never met me I am a big woman. Nothing about me is thin. The words “small” – “average” – “normal” – “regular” are generally not used when someone is describing me and not just because of the size of my body.
So, they thought they were laughing at me and I laughed along with them but for a different reason.
I don’t want to be small if it means that trying to humiliate someone would be something I would consider amusing.
I don’t want to be average if it means that how I look will become more important then how I treat people.
I don’t want to be normal if it means that my spirit will no longer be able to connect with anyone who is not like me.
And I definitely don’t want to be regular if it means I will forget that kindness, respect, understanding and love are what real beauty is about.

So, for 2010, I’m putting a red circle with a line through it on anybody or anything that tries to interfere with my believing that I have the right to cherish this wonderful life I have been given to live.