Stop the Madness

This before and after shot is amazing but completely opposite from what we usually see. Most of the time, we see women transforming from big to buff. Taryn Brumfitt went from the “perfect” body on stage at a fitness competition to the softer, rounder woman she is today.

Taryn is a mother, author of the book, Embrace,  and founder of the Body Image Movement, that encourages women to love their bodies, no matter the size or shape. Her mantra: “My body is not an ornament, it is a vehicle to my dreams.” I love that quote.

When we look at Taryn before, we may think she’s fit and beautiful. Or too skinny and muscular.  And after? Too soft, too flabby, too fat. Why did she let herself go? 

This national conversation breaks out on social media constantly. The most recent body shaming incident involved Pink, deemed by Twitter Trolls as too fat. Argh.

And if that’s the way we are with celebrity bodies, it’s ten times worse when we look in the mirror. Believe me, I’ve been there. I am as guilty as anyone of obsessing about my weight and spending too much time wondering if what I pulled out of the closet that day makes me look fat.

We have to stop rolling that tape in our heads, the one that says, “You aren’t skinny enough, strong enough, young enough, good enough.”

That’s why I admire people like Taryn Brumfitt. Here’s what she told Huffpost:

“Women are always being told to change or be different -- lose weight, fight aging, smooth your skin, get rid of cellulite, I mean really, women are such amazing and dynamic creatures can we please change the conversation from this bullsh*t to something with a little more substance?”

I’ve also started following this fashion blogger from My Curves and Curls who “believes in celebrating women of all shapes and sizes.” She has incredible style and her most beautiful trait is her confidence. Anyone who says a leopard print is a neutral is my kind of fashion guru.

I want to be that woman. The smart, sassy, fearless woman who exercises and eats healthy but isn’t afraid to have an Oreo or skip the gym and go to the movies. The one who believes, like Coco Chanel, that "A girl should be two things: who and what she wants."

Because you know what? I’m enough.