I want to talk to you guys about something controversial today: why size matters.
Talking about size is all the rage right now, right? From Tess Holliday gracing the cover of People magazine and Robin Lawley being featured in the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated to Rebel Wilson and Ashley Graham launching new clothing lines, size really seems to be all that people can talk about lately.
Yes, it’s amazing that people of varying sizes are finally being featured in different magazines and gaining success in the fashion world, but I feel like the term “plus size” being dropped every few sentences in a story isn’t necessary. I get why sizes play a factor when talking about clothing lines, but size shouldn’t be the first thing that’s mentioned or the main focus of other stories.
Basically, I think we need to stop talking about size so much. It’s just a number, and our successes in life should never be defined by a number, especially not one that can fluctuate so much all the time. Many people also become obsessed with their weight as well, which is, you guessed it, just another number.
Why are we letting numbers control us? Why does size matter so much?
I hate when I go shopping and notice that I’m up a size (or two) in one brand versus a different brand, even within one store. I feel ashamed by that number, and I let that define me. I find myself getting so focused on that number that I forget that it doesn’t really matter. The only thing that should matter is if I’m comfortable in whatever I’m wearing.
If you have to go a size up from what you usually wear because it feels too tight, just do it. It’s not like your size is broadcast across your entire body. People won’t look at you and go “Oh, she is definitely wearing a size X. Gross.” They will probably notice, though, if you look and feel uncomfortable in whatever it is that you’re wearing.
Rather than try to wear a smaller size to “appease” others (and make yourself feel uncomfortable in the process), just say screw it. Try on a few sizes to see what’ll fit you best, buy it if you look awesome in it (which I’m sure you do), and go on with your day, feeling all confident with your bad self.
I think we should all vow to learn how to not focus so much on what numbers define us and instead focus on what really makes us human: an amazing smile, sparkling eyes, hilarious laugh, quick wit, career success, bold clothing or makeup looks, etc.
We’re not successful because of or in spite of our sizes; they have no bearing on our happiness, fulfillment in life, or really anything else.
Our clothing size is not our only defining characteristic.
I may be a size 22/24, but I’m also a writer, blogger, beauty lover, sarcastic human being, sister, girlfriend, daughter, reader, shameless TV show and movie quoter, all-around goofball, terrible bowler, laugh-aholic, avid board game fan, lip sync aficionado, etc.
It’s so easy to think that we’d be happier if we were down a size (or six), but we’d still be the same people on the inside. There is no magical number where once you reach it, you immediately become happier, prettier, more successful, or whatever else you think you want to be.
You already are all of those things and more; you just haven’t realized it yet.
So I’m here to tell you that even though society makes us think that size is all that matters, I disagree.
You can do great things in life no matter what size you are. As long as we are happy and trying to be the best version of ourselves, that’s all that we need to focus on right now.
You are enough.
You are more than enough.
And no number will ever change that.
I am not going to let any numbers define me anymore: the number of pounds on the scale, zits on my face, frizzy hairs on my head (answer: all of them), followers I have on social media, blog posts I put up in a month, etc.
Would you like to join me?
