Big hugs! You are a beautiful person, inside and out. You should ‘heart’ your body. It produced Lacey didn’t it? So what if you’re bigger? You always look immaculate and take pride in your appearance. I think you’re great 🙂
Thanks Jay. And yep it made a baby. Pretty amazing stuff. xxxxx
Maybe my favourite post ever xxx
You encouraged me, brought tears to my eyes as someone’s whose always struggled with her weight & now due to illness & medications & am in a situation where your words have me acceptance & love of myself as I am going to heart my body too ~ ♥ ~
Chauntelle, you should be so proud of yourself. Be proud, be happy and be strong. You are a beautiful person inside and out. With love xx
Chantelle (sorry I hate spelling people’s names wrong, I have a friend who spells it with a ‘u’ oops!)
Ha. I actually don’t even notice. It can be spelt so many different ways. Thanks for picking up on it. x
You are a beautiful woman. I also have a genetic reason for my bodies difficulty in losing weight. I also have a hard time dealing with it as well. But my husband loves me, my kids love me, and my friends and family love me, not because I’m a “big girl” as I like to say, but because I am me. I have read your posts, I follow you on instagram, and I like you. I think you are creative and fun and I would love to have the chance to meet you and talk! I think its sad that so many women have to deal with this issue. Why is being “skinny” so attractive? If there was one thing I could tell every woman of every shape and size it would be that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, DESIRABLE, NEEDED, SOUGHT AFTER AND DESERVING OF LOVE!!
You are beautiful Monica. Thank you. x
Fantastic post. I really wish I could love my body. I have M.E. and in the last 2 years, have gone from a UK size 6 to a UK size 14. I’m not huge, but I feel it because I was so small before. My illness means I don’t have the energy to exercise enough to help, so I need to get used to being this size. One day, hopefully, I’ll be proud to be the size I am x
You are perfectly beautiful, just the way you are… those people that spew and mutter hateful things are the one’s lacking in beauty… and in self-esteem… they do that to make themselves feel better about themselves… but it doesn’t work… take pride that you are showing yourself love and being the best you you can be 🙂
You are hands down one of the prettiest girls I know.
I was only looking at photos of you on your blog the other day when I wished I was half as naturally beautiful as you are. I’m trying to heart my body too. Recently I realised my problem is comparison. Without it there’s no need to feel like you’re less so, I’m working on that. IN addition to being really pretty you’re also a talented writer. In my humble opinion, that’s worth much much more than any physical appearance.
To know you is to love you Chantelle. You are a person that shines out from behind your vehicle. So to hear that “you heart your body” is music to my ears. It’s something I wish for every women I know.xxxx
Thanks Jen. Miss you lots. xx
You are you and no one should ever make you feel inferior. I have to admit myself when I am out and about I may think to myself they are big but you know I always think that there may be a reason for this and if my daughters are with me I actually point that out to them. I am more judgmental with how short someone’s skirt is than anything else. You are beautiful and you should be proud of your self and what you have achieved and share your positiveness with your beautiful girls. I have to admit it has taken me a long time to accept my body. But I am happy. Well done on turning around to that man so proud of you. Take care never stop being you. Vicki xx
you are so gorgeous! I have tears in my eyes about the newsagent! I grew up very overweight and my family used to call me fat 🙁 they paid for me to go weight watchers straight out of high school and would eat dessert but tell me I couldn’t have any because I was too fat. it too a long time to get over it and if I’ve learnt anything it’s the positive way I bring up my own girls. And then elodie’s paedetrician told me a few weeks ago he is me to a dietician for her weight, I nearly cried. We all have a healthy diet here and it seems so silly to be worried about a 2 yer old. We saw a geneticist because of a few other problems and are testing her metabolism for any conditions and her weight and I’d rather do that than put my 2 year old on a strict diet.
what a great post, I’m still not brave enough to tell my story but maybe you’ve made me:)
the whole blogging world thinks your gorgeous and I hope the good thoughts outweigh any bad.
Corrie:)
Oh gosh, I can’t imagine how tough that is. I remember my mum surprising me by taking me to the dietitian and it was a horrible experience. Most of all because I wasn’t expecting it at 8 years of age. She was trying to do what was best, but she was really young and didn’t know how to go about it.
I think the best gift we have is awareness. I know Lacey probably has my genes {but isn’t showing any signs yet, thankfully} but like you, I’ll just make sure she has the healthiest life possible.
xxxxx
look I got all teary and wrote your instead of you’re!
Wow ! I admire you a lot. I do not understand how people can be so mean when it comes to weight… Why do they even care. It is not their body ! I cannot say I know what you went through but know that sometimes children are the worst. Especially at school. I had a lot of acne at that time and the way people looked at me often hurt me… Actually there are days when I do love my body, I think : “well it’s not that bad” and other days when I see every little imperfections that I dislike. But I am just a human being, I am not perfect but it does not mean that I have to depreciate me because some studip people do not accept me the way I am. I have never commented one of your posts before but I really like them. I love the way you see the world and your positiveness.
Thanks Mallory. And a big thank you for finally commenting. I know that’s a big step.
I’m the same as you, some days self-love is better than others. xx
Beautiful. You. Your words. Your whole being. This is bringing me to tears. I’m so glad you shared. I so know. Truly, I do. (hugs and love)
Thanks Andrea. Big hugs right back. x
What a heart wrenching post, Chantelle. I can’t believe that people, total strangers, have commented on what size you are? You are sooo pretty! I imagine people turning their heads to look at you because you are stand out gorgeous!
I had a horrible experience yesterday, though nothing like yours, but it made me feel awful, especially because I didn’t mean to do the wrong thing – just like you in the line. I pulled out in front of a car that I honestly didn’t see. I never take risks when I’m driving so I never, ever intentionally pull out in front of a car. It was a dark blue car and later in the afternoon and we were on our country road. I waved to them, mouthing the biggest ‘sorry!’ I could. But they honked at me for ages and then they overtook me. And then the passenger stuck his finger up at me for ages. I felt so horrible. So I can’t imagine how you must have felt with that man also commenting on your weight. I guess some people are just really angry and feel good about venting that onto others. I don’t know how they can do it.
Thanks for sharing such a heart felt post, Chantelle. Really beautiful and also heart breaking, for me. x
That’s scary! I hope you were OK afterwards? xx
this post confused me. not because it was ‘disjointed’ but because, following your blog, Facebook page, photoaday, Instagram, I have built a picture in my head. I see a loving young wife and mum. Happy in her new home and with a heart and soul as bright as sunshine! A girl who says what she thinks, doesn’t tolerate unnecessary nastiness and spreads so much joy around! I’ve been I’ll a while now and, although I also have a loving family around me whom I adore, I have been struggling with how I look ( no hair, swollen face from meds) and funnily enough, It was YOU who turned me round and gave me a more positive view of the World. The photo challenge, particularly, is now a focus and checking your blog each day, usually gives me ‘food for thought’ each day. You don’t seem to realise the impact you have sweet girl! please, go and have another look in that mirror and, please, use my eyes….Remember what , I’m sure you tel, your kids, someone else’s opinion can only hurt you if YOU let it…..xxxx
What a powerful comment Donna. thank you. All those things you said are true. I’m happy, love life, enjoy my family – but I’m not perfect. And that’s a beautiful thing. I’m getting to know myself, learning to love my body {it’s a journey!} and I’m getting there.
I’ll look at myself through your eyes today. Thank you. xx
This brought tears to my eyes. I feel the same way about you as Donna. I kinda *stalk* your instagram pictures because they are always so bright, happy and positive, and set me up for happiness for the whole day. You are beautiful and such a lovely person. Walk past the construction workers and tell them to get stuffed.
I recently saw a picture of you (apart from the one on here) and I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a little through your blog. I didn’t see you weight, I saw you, I saw your eyes and I thought “Oh look its Chantelle (felt a little happy about seeing you as even though you don’t know me I feel like I know you, you know that proud moment when you say “I know her”) anyway, I saw happiness, and beauty and through your blog I thought, she’s a gorgeous great mother, I want to be more like her (and cook like her)!
People who comment on other’s weight have their own issues, we should see people for who they are and if we don’t know them we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
I’d like to think that your gentle confrontation taught that man’s son a lesson he wasn’t able to teach him directly.
Do you mind telling us what your syndrome is? Is it PCOS?
Sure. It’s a severe case of Insulin Resistance. So after eating my insulin levels go sky high and take forever to come back down {to where they’d burn off the energy}. I think people with PCOS often have IR?
Yes, often they go together. I have PCOS and watched my weight ever so slowly climb over the past years, despite eating pretty well (I’m far from saintly about it) and exercising regularly. Have you tried any herbal remedies to supplement? I’m taking a bunch of homeopathic and herbal things and also getting acupuncture to stimulate my pancreas. I’ve so far refused the medication that was recommended by the endocrinologist (it’s for diabetes and I don’t have have that) and am trying more natural ways first, plus my primary doctor says I shouldn’t be on that medicine anyhow. It doesn’t mean we can’t look however we want; it just means we have to work a bit harder. 😉
I’ve been there a LOT of times….I’ve heard those nasty words….said with such venom…most times for no reason at all….just me walking by. It’s sad but those words have so much power in my mind….so many memories are laced with sadness because of other peoples hatred of someone different to them. I’m working on the strength I need to just simply not hear it. I’m also a lesbian and have experienced the worst of people’s hatred. Being hated for being yourself…..people please teach your children well.
Allison
I too am going through a similar journey. My new philosophy is to worry about my weight only in terms of health, to love myself, to care about the impact I have on my loved ones, not how I look. Like your friend, I am oblivious to comments, I’m sure people make them, I just have never noticed. And besides, anything other people had to say would pale to insignificance next to what I say to myself. I am so glad that you have found a doctor who hasn’t told you “you have to just do it the old fashioned way” and loose weight. Good luck and know that your beauty has N.O.T.H.I.N.G to do with how you look and everything to do with who you are. You inspire me.
Chantelle; Thank you so much for linking up. It means so much to me to see your post. Yesterday when you told me your post was scheduled I literally jumped around my apartment. I cannot thank you enough!
You are beautiful, inside and out. I am so happy to read that you are finally proud of yourself and confident, you deserve to be xxx
Carly x
This is the most beautiful post of yours I have ever read.
I remember a {long} while ago you posted along the lines of wishing to be a fly on the wall, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to give you your fly on the wall moment;
When I got home from the Kidspot awards in Sydney, my best friend wanted a complete wrap up, & so we gossiped & shared stories etc. like ALL women do 🙂
I said to her that one of the highlights was meeting you … that we spoke for maybe 5-10 minutes, that you wore this incredible navy dress with sleeves, that you were beautiful {even more beautiful than I imagined}, & that you just seemed to have the sweetest personality.
Remember … this is what women do when they swap stories, they describe outfits, appearance, & personality {so I am sorry for embarrassing you} 🙂
I hope you’re able to hold yourself in as high regard as what others hold you in, & it sounds like you’re on your way 🙂
Cherie @ we heart life
Thank you Cherie. What nice things you said. Thank you. xxxx
I have had this journey in the past few years. I don’t know if its age or just a decision to accept but I am fat and that’s just how it is! I eat well and exercise and it just is. I love my family and friends and they love me; my husband of 20 years loves me just as I am, right now. It just is.
Well done for making this journey! We are here to support you how ever we can!
I have had this journey in the past few years. I don’t know if its age or just a decision to accept but I am fat and that’s just how it is! I eat well and exercise and it just is. I love my family and friends and they love me; my husband of 20 years loves me just as I am, right now. It just is.
Well done for making this journey! We are here to support you how ever we can!
Please don’t worry about what others think of you on the outside. You’re beautiful inside and out. You have a family who loves you and friends who love you as well. That’s all you have to worry about. Not mindless people out there. ~HUGS~
Please don’t worry about what others think of you on the outside. You’re beautiful inside and out. You have a family who loves you and friends who love you as well. That’s all you have to worry about. Not mindless people out there. ~HUGS~
Such a beautiful post. I am so saddened by physical jibes that leave someone feeling less of themself.. I have a large scar that can’t be covered on my back. It limits my clothes and I couldn’t wear the wedding dress I would have loved. Now I have moved to Australia it is seen regularly thanks to our lifestyle at the beach.
I have had so many hurtful comments over the years but as I have aged I have realised it is the vocalist that is lacking.. imagine the terrible personality they are stuck with for life that they can utter those words and walk away thinking it is ok.. shame on them.. the fact that your heart your body and have taken a sensible approach to making it the best body you can have for you shows you are beautiful inside and out.. they best way to be x
Such a beautiful post. I am so saddened by physical jibes that leave someone feeling less of themself.. I have a large scar that can’t be covered on my back. It limits my clothes and I couldn’t wear the wedding dress I would have loved. Now I have moved to Australia it is seen regularly thanks to our lifestyle at the beach.
I have had so many hurtful comments over the years but as I have aged I have realised it is the vocalist that is lacking.. imagine the terrible personality they are stuck with for life that they can utter those words and walk away thinking it is ok.. shame on them.. the fact that your heart your body and have taken a sensible approach to making it the best body you can have for you shows you are beautiful inside and out.. they best way to be x
This made me cry. Like many women, I’ve spent a lifetime battling society’s expectation of the perfect size. I’ve been a size 8 {size 4 US + I was constantly starving) and a size 14 – but my natural fall-weight is a 12 {US 8}.
I still battle with my body but now I’m in my 40s, I’m kind of jack of the drama of it all, and frankly – have no choice but to accept I’ll never be an 8 again. My turning point was this: Do I want to be starving or do I want to enjoy food? Do I want to be trapped by stats and figures or do I want to be free? Do I want to be scrawny or healthy? Do I want to live with self-hate and anxiety or with joy? Do I want an oppressed life or a vivacious, rich life (albeit with wobbly thighs)?
Do I want to be unnaturally thin or do I want to be happy?
Chantelle, you are beautiful.
x
Beautifully said. I take happy. x
This made me cry. Like many women, I’ve spent a lifetime battling society’s expectation of the perfect size. I’ve been a size 8 {size 4 US + I was constantly starving) and a size 14 – but my natural fall-weight is a 12 {US 8}.
I still battle with my body but now I’m in my 40s, I’m kind of jack of the drama of it all, and frankly – have no choice but to accept I’ll never be an 8 again. My turning point was this: Do I want to be starving or do I want to enjoy food? Do I want to be trapped by stats and figures or do I want to be free? Do I want to be scrawny or healthy? Do I want to live with self-hate and anxiety or with joy? Do I want an oppressed life or a vivacious, rich life (albeit with wobbly thighs)?
Do I want to be unnaturally thin or do I want to be happy?
Chantelle, you are beautiful.
x
I’m so sorry for the guy in the line that made you feel less than beautiful, made you want to head home :(. The truth is…you should love your body. It’s part of you, no matter the size, the vessel of life indeed. And you are a fantastic woman, inspiring others each day. That is def something to celebrate and love! HUGS! :0)
I’m so sorry for the guy in the line that made you feel less than beautiful, made you want to head home :(. The truth is…you should love your body. It’s part of you, no matter the size, the vessel of life indeed. And you are a fantastic woman, inspiring others each day. That is def something to celebrate and love! HUGS! :0)
What a beautiful message. Honestly, I’m sick and tired of thinking about it all. I’m a mum of two amazing little boys (3yrs & 5mths), they were big babies and I had complications, some severe. I haven’t really had the time nor could I really be bothered getting on the whole gym and exercise bandwagon and as a result I’m a little bigger. I feel awful and wear clothes to hide everything, feel self conscious all the time and avoid photos with my boys. I have some friends who are wonderfully confident and embrace their curves, love life and love themselves and I wish, I really wish, that I could be like that. So what’s stopping me? ME!! It’s a work in progress and maybe one day there will be a day that I will say ‘I love me and my body’ and its messages like yours that will encourage me to get there xx
What a beautiful message. Honestly, I’m sick and tired of thinking about it all. I’m a mum of two amazing little boys (3yrs & 5mths), they were big babies and I had complications, some severe. I haven’t really had the time nor could I really be bothered getting on the whole gym and exercise bandwagon and as a result I’m a little bigger. I feel awful and wear clothes to hide everything, feel self conscious all the time and avoid photos with my boys. I have some friends who are wonderfully confident and embrace their curves, love life and love themselves and I wish, I really wish, that I could be like that. So what’s stopping me? ME!! It’s a work in progress and maybe one day there will be a day that I will say ‘I love me and my body’ and its messages like yours that will encourage me to get there xx
You don’t know me, I read your blog everyday. Hello! You have brought tears to my eyes! I have been lets say overweight since puberty, I managed to lose weight and then of course it rebounded and came back to haunt me. I was bullied at school by someone who has now married my cousin…what goes around comes around…now she is scared of what I may say to her husband…why would I bother?
When I started my current job in 2008 I had a colleague tell me I eat the wrong foods….I looked at her and asked her why she is bothering to watch what I eat in the 30 minutes we get each day to ourselves at work…and that perhaps she should be watching her tongue because its not nice to be cruel to others…she had no come back!
My daughter was on the 5th percentile when she was born for weight and has in the last 14 months got herself to the 90th percentile – I had a lady at playgroup tell me she was fat! All I said back was yes she has blossomed because of the love my family and I have given her. How can a baby be fat??? I won’t let those comments start that young for my daughter, thats not fair!
Anyway, what I am trying to say is life is too short, love yourself for you. For I can see through your blog and facebook and instagram that you are a happy wife and mama to a precious little girl. Your blog resounds BEAUTY and LOVE so go with that and if you get “thinner” then embrace it! As long as you are healthy WHO CARES!!?? Treat people correctly as you do and know that you wouldn’t speak like the man in the newsagency line.
In the end, it is us ourselves that have to be happy with our own life and lie straight in bed at night….
Thank you for a beautiful post and for reminding me to embrace my body.
Wow, what a fantastic, open and honest post and a beautiful message, thank you Chantelle. We need more women like you out there flying the self love flag and showing people that taking better care of yourself isn’t just about what you put in your mouth, it’s looking after what goes on in your head too. I’ve been known to partake in some pretty emotionally damaging behaviors before all in the name of weight and low self esteem but I too now am on the road to recovery. I find writing is super therapeutic and helps me sort out some of the stuff that goes on in my head. Good on you, you’re an inspiration.
Sending you lots of love and positive vibes,
Kristy xx
Excellent post! It’s so easy to get hung up on what we see in the mirror, or a number on the scales, when that doesn’t really matter at all. I have never liked my body, I’ve spent so many years thinking I was fat and ugly when I was anything but. Having my daughter has given me a new appreciation for what my body can do and what it has given me, and now I appreciate it so much more than I ever have.
Respect, lady. Well said.
Telle, you are one of the most beautiful women I’ve seen. And I am so SO pleased that you are finally starting to see that. xx
Thank you Amelia. xxx
this post is heartbreaking, only because it shows how creul life can really be
– you are a gorgeous personi have followed your blog (tried to do photoaday), and a few weeks ago saw you from a distance at probloggermy husband battles with his weight, i know it bothers him all the time – and i feel so helpless around himmaybe we all need to change the way we think about our bodies and rethink what is most importantxxx
I want to say I know exactly how your feel but … regardless of the situation, we can never know exactly how another person feels. Even the same situation. My first husband left me after 22 years because I had gained weight over the years. As a young adult I was anorexic because of him. Leaving me was the best thing he ever did for me. Interestingly, he’s still not happy but I am. I have a long way to go before I can like my body but I’m working on it. It is after all, the only body I’ll ever have! xoxo
I hate that anyone treated you like that, but you are one of the most beautiful people I know {and have had the pleasure of meeting} and I know that he didn’t deserve you. I love the beautiful relationship you and NY have. So blessed. xxx
Your body is lucky to have you
x
Thank you Jess. x
Chantelle, I’m so pleased you turned around and looked that bully in the eye. He was using your weight as a weapon because he didn’t have the guts (or manners) to step up politely and assert his place in line – passive aggressive and nasty. You are better than that. And you are beautiful, regardless of what weight you happen to be.
I do love my body. It is an amazing thing. And after having two kids, it has changed shape, but I think it is for the better. I’m rounder and my kids love my soft bits. 🙂 I’ve sat at the other end of the spectrum where people accuse me of being anorexic, and tell me I’m too skinny (when I’m not, I’m at a healthy BMI), and tell me that I don’t need to eat so healthily because I don’t need to lose weight (since when has healthy eating been solely about losing weight?), or tell me to eat more (when I already eat like a horse). It’s irritating that others focus on my body in a negative way, and that they talk about my weight. These people would not go up to an overweight person and tell them to eat less, I’m sure! It comes back to the fact that they don’t love their own bodies and we should all probably stop comparing ourselves, and get on with being happy and healthy in our own selves.
Whether someone is small or large, so long as they are healthy and happy, that is all that matters.
I find it’s really easy to tell the difference between an anorexic person and a naturally skinny person. And I hate the link between eating healthy and weight loss. Why can’t healthy just be healthy?
Telle. You are such a beautiful, amazing person. When I saw you at ProBlogger I knew it was you instantly by your gentleness and I was SO shy meeting you. Dani is one beautiful girl too, and I’m so proud to call her one of my best friends. I’m so glad you have her in your life too, and that her confidence is rubbing off on you xx
You just ooze beauty, inside and out. Was so nice to meet you. xx
Beautiful post, very inspiring. In my opinion, you have so much more to offer the world then a wanker that teaches his son to be hateful. Thank you for what you do every day, you are a lovely person on the outside and you have brightened my every day since I began following your blog.
Thank you. xx
I strongly believe you have to love your body before you can do anything with your body that is healthy. People say they’ll love their body when they *insert expectation here* but it’s the other way around. Love it FIRST. Then, if you want to work on changing it, do so, that’s fine, I don’t believe that we can’t both love our bodies and work on making them the healthiest, strongest, most comfortable, best they can be.
But the love cannot be conditional on anything else. Not on health, not on size, not on shape. It has to come first. It can’t be “I will love my body when it…” No. Love it every day. Love you every day. Because that’s the only true way to love and accept your body.
Unconditional love is a funny thing, isn’t it? I’ve been talking to Shane a lot about it lately because since we’ve got a dog I’ve seen unconditional love. She loves me if I haven’t done my hair, if I’m in the crankiest mood, if I forget to feed her, if I’ve just yelled at her, as well as when I’ve taken her for a great walk, given her big hugs, played ball or just spent time with her. She loves me no matter what. Her love for me is unconditional, truly.
I was given a book for my 23rd birthday from a friend titled something like, “I’ll love myself when…” and the point was that I should love myself now.
I think the best things happen when we love ourselves. I found love when I fell in love with myself {exactly a week after I did I found Shane}.
Thank you for this comment. It’s so so so powerful and true. Thank you. x
Love this post Chantelle. I’m a work in progress, don’t think I heart my body all the time, but I really heart that it’s given me two gorgeous kiddies. I feel sorry that I don’t heart it enough actually!!!
I heart you and this post and your honesty. And I love the joy you spread with all of your loveliness, generosity and positivity – you brighten so many peoples day with your words and photos.xoxoxoxoox
Thanks Amy. That means so much to me. Thank you. xxxx
Thank you for this honest post. Here is a quote from another lady with spunk: ‘I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond’ ~ Mae West
Are you willing to share the name of the test that was carried out?
Oh I love that quote. It was the 2 hours glucose test, but instead of being just tested for diabetes I was tested for Insulin Resistance. So my blood sugar levels are perfect, but my Insulin Levels are insanely high.
Have you had something similar?
Thank you for this post Chantelle….you have made my day a lot
brighter. I have become fat & I am struggling with every aspect of
it…this has helped….A LOT! <3
I love you, one day we’ll both wear mini skirts and purposefully walk past construction sites together… and not give a fuck xx
This has made me smile ALL day. The thought of it. Even if we’re 72 and just finished a game of bingo, we will. Thank you for being such an inspiration. x
Beautiful and moving. I heart your heart.
I DO!! And I am so happy for you!! Such a hard thing to embrace & keep working at, but so worth it. The only person that is with you your entire life is you, so love you, accept you & BE you with all you have. <3
Love you to bits Chantelle. x
Body image is so hard. I was called fat a bit by my parents (my dad still tries to which is one reason among many I told him to stick it and never speak to me again) and now I can see how I was pretty skinny in my so-called fat days. I’m currently the heaviest I’ve ever been. I don’t like it, but I know the reasons behind it. Like you, I’m working on it in my own way. And doing what suits you/your body is the best way to manage it! I’ve had to learn a lot about nutrition in recent years & it hurts when you explain some basic nutrition to people but their face still says “I won’t listen to you because you’re fat”.
We seem a lot a like. Big hugs. xxxxx
Chantelle you are one of the most stunning people I know.
Thanks Eden. I absolutely feel the same way about you. xxx
Chantelle, that was such a touching post. How absolutely wonderful that you can say you heart your body. I’m not there yet but your post today has inspired me to try a bit harder xx
I saw you at problogger. I was too shy to say hi, but all I could think was how gorgeous and amazing you looked, and how beautiful your presence was. I loved this post – thank you for your vulnerability x
This made my teary. You know one of the biggest anxieties of Problogger was that I might disappoint people with the way I looked. It’s just a thing I felt.
For you to say this really empowers me. Thank you. xxxxxx
This is a wonderful post Chantelle! Thank you for you
open and frank feelings.. I don’t, don’t think I ever have loved my body .. I
try and sometimes I “believe” myself .. other times not so much but
your post if nothing else is reassuring to me to know that I’m not alone! you
are gorgeous, I don’t see your weight (at all!) but I see mine.. funny isn’t
it! what we allow ourselves to see and what we don’t! thank you and keep up all
your positivity! it really does rub off <3
Isn’t it funny? Today, when we were out, I pointed out a curvy girl to Shane and said, “I would love to look like her. To be her size. She’s beautiful.”
Hubby was astonished. He said, “You’re just like her, perhaps smaller. Why can’t you see yourself as we see you?”
Thank you. I think the spirit of the community here is contagious, which is wonderful. x
I love this post- I’m sitting in a Drs waiting room and now have tears. I must admit I don’t heart my body. I really heart all aspects of my life except my body. I have tried to loose weight, get fitter and e en Ccept the way I am but have always failed. I know I need help but from where I don’t know.
For me the start to everything was sessions with Julie from Beautiful You. Google her. I truly believe just one hour chatting with her will change your life. And if you can’t afford that, or aren’t ready – then Geneen Roth’s book Women, Food & God will be brilliant for you. {It’s not religious, don’t worry.} xxxx
What a beautiful post. You are beautiful, in all ways possible.
You have a beautiful body, and an even more beautiful spirit. xoxox
Thank you Zoey. Right back at you. x
This is a beautiful post Chantelle.
xx
You know, from the little I know about you (via a few social media interactions), I know enough to see that there is a light that radiates from within you and it touches everyone. You are beautiful, Chantelle.
This has moved me to tears. I’m so sorry that you were treated that way. Amazing post, Chantelle, love it.
Thanks lovely. x
When are people going to learn to grow up? I am so sorry that this person has made you feel this way. You are gorgeous just the way you are, and your beautiful smile can brighten any dull day 🙂
Thank you Lizzy. x
awwwww…. big xxx’s
This reminded me of a Chrissie Swan article about the inappropriateness of certain comments. I think she used the term “how very dare you” and I just think that could not apply more here. How very dare that man. Beautiful post x
I read that piece, it wasn’t long after it had happened and I thought just that, “How VERY dare you.”
I love this post and it makes me sad sort of at the same time. Seriously lady, you’re so gorgeous and talented and fun and just plain old hot. I know it’s not about getting some form of reinforcement from me but I felt like saying it. So just know that, from me to you. And keep on, keeping on.
Thanks for this. Those were pretty darn awesome words to read. Thank you. x
Thank you so much for these inspiring words Chantelle. You are such an empowering woman and your body is yours. You inspire so many of us, and today, here, you have told us all to begin to accept and listen to ourselves. Being proud of yourself is so much more then how you look on the outside. It is what is inside!
Thank you xoxo
I love this post! It’s taken me ten years to fall in love with my body – my 52nd birthday is knocking on my door & I can honestly say I’m having the best love affair ever – with me! Thanks for sharing this great post… Keep being beautiful!
Thanking you so much for sharing that! I hear you, and I feel exactly the same. I have never been tested (and yeah my Dad is big) – now you have me wondering! That man should never have said anything to his son – how rude of him. But that is what our society is like. And yep I am too slowly learning to Heart My Body. Its not easy, but its the only one i have. Thanking you for sharing from your heart xxx
It’s called Insulin Resistance. Not many doctors will test for it. Symptoms include darker skin under your eyes, skin tags on your body, acne and excess hair {I don’t have the acne very often or the excess hair}. Plus being tired is a symptom too, as well as irregular periods {mine are regular TMI}. So not all the symptoms have to be present.
It’s something that I’ve always had, and never knew about. It can often see weight gain in the teen years, during pregnancy and during menopause. Does your dad have diabetes?
I love you xxxx
There is a quiet understanding amongst the women who know what it feels like to hear the word fat at a mile radius or to walk into a room completely conscious of your size and the room that you perceive that you take up……I read this and felt like I had found a kindred thank you so much for your honesty.
Beautiful post Chantelle – just like you! x
Thank you so so much for this post! It’s just what I needed, sitting in my puddle of self pity. I’ve also had public comments about my weight – I was told by some bastard, in front of a group of 10 of his mates, that I was “a 2 and my friend was an 8!” It’s a superficial world, how do we protect our little girls and their body image?
Sweetheart, you are one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet – and I mean both inside and out. You have almost 25 000 people on Facebook alone who connect with you because of the beauty that you see in the everyday things in life. We see you. We know how beautiful you are. I just wish you did xxx
Your beautiful body gave you your daughter- that is worth more than any comment or snigger from any ignorant stranger sweet…
Look after it and you and her….
Melissa x
you are the kindest and sweetest soul i know… if only everybody could have just a little of your kindness the world would be a beautiful place! what on earth is that father teaching that child? in a house where we dont say the word fat or ever talk about our own weight, let alone others… im shocked to hear somebody would openly say such mean and hurtful things! i tell audrey constantly that it doesnt matter how you look on the outside, its whats on the inside that is most important! i love every ounce of you… of your vehicle! you are brave beyond belief… how you just put yourself out there and give so much of yourself freely is inspiring! hugs to you my lovely friend xxx
I hear you, loud and clear. Thanks for sharing xoxox.
Oh what a beautiful honest and tear producing post, Chantelle! I cried even more reading some of the comments. You are beautiful and the way in which you write is a reflection of that. Thank you for sharing in raw honesty x
Lady, you are beautiful. Always. x
Um, I had no idea you were a ‘big’ girl. Not that it changes anything. I’ve also got a mental picture of you, having only seen your face so far, I think, and you’re not ‘big’ to me, anyway. Your heart is big and so is your attitude towards others. I’ve been a big girl for most of my life, too. Even when I was younger I felt big and was convinced I was, even though I see in photos that I wasn’t. I understand that self-awareness of other people and the hurt they cause through their words. Keep up the attitude and embrace you for who you are. And you are beautiful. I’ve just recently shared some of my weight loss story on my blog. Perhaps it will inspire you, not necessarily to lose weight, but just to continue to not diet and be healthy and active, which is more important, anyway. Here’s the blog post, if you’re interested: http://asiwriteit.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/the-food-journal-story.html
I don’t look at you and see your body. I see your amazing mind, your awesome personality and that cool chick I know called ‘Chantelle’.
I’m so glad you pulled up the guy in the line. I am big on that. People wish I would just shut up when I bring attention to people that are being dicks, but they are NEVER capable of saying anything once being caught out. If you don’t have anything nice to say, etc etc.
Big love xox
(As an aside, my logical brain went “No, of course you don’t see her body, she’s behind a computer!” which is true, but not relevant right now 😉 )
You are beautiful. I know what it feels like to have a radar for criticism about my appearance. It’s tough. Have belief that you are beautiful – and I admire you so much x
I heart my body. I certainly didn’t in my 20s. But then I didn’t heart myself very much at all. The more I grew to love myself, after experiencing motherhood in my early 30s and what it meant to love a child, the nicer I became to myself. But I never was truly hearting my body. I lost 30kgs, but I still wasn’t happy. I still suffered from a variety of health issues. It wasn’t until the last few months when I realised I had to really address my body, my health & my fitness and I started CrossFit & following a paleo lifestyle that I truly started loving my body. It was suddenly stronger, more energetic, slimmer (I lost 31cms in 25 days and have kept that off), I could do yoga moves that I couldn’t before. The most amazing changes happened. Now my brain hasn’t really caught up yet – I still can’t believe I feel so amazing by doing something so simple. And I still can’t believe I can do physical things I couldn’t before. I’m still saying I can’t do push ups & then I drop down & can. I’ve had issues all my life about my body and fat, so I’m more than happy to share that with nearly 3 months of CrossFit & changing slowly to eating a paleo diet I can finally say that I heart my body.
This post struck so many nerves with me. Two mainly.
Firstly, like many of the other comments, following your blog, instagram and Facebook I have you picked as a wonderful woman, full of bright ideas and plenty of love to share. This, to me, is far more important than any snide comment from a wanker having a hissy fit in a line. Always remember how loved you are for all the joy you bring to people’s lives – be it giving everyone a bright idea or some inspiration on your blog, or your close network of family and friends.
Secondly, I have also struggled with weight loss. I was always the “fat” or “chubby” kid. At uni, I lost about 20kgs. I was and still am so proud of myself. I still have fat days where I look at myself and am completely unhappy with how I look. These same days are also the days where if someone is laughing (even if it’s a child at school [I’m a teacher]), I automatically go into paranoid-mode and think it MUST be about me – nothing else is happening, so it must be something I’ve done/something I look like.
It’s so hard to be kind to yourself. But I think by sharing these posts, and enjoying yourself with life and not image, is an important step in love. If your photoaday challenges have taught me anything (besides remembering to take a photo every day haha), it’s to look for the beauty in every day life. Every now and then it has to be you!
Tonight I have cried the most incredible pools of happy tears and some sad tears through reading all these amazing body stories but every single one has given me hope and inspiration. You are just divine hun – in every way. You are one of the kindest people and when I was lucky enough to meet you, I just knew from your hug that you were real and genuine and beautiful in every possible way. xx
I love this post.. Go you! xxoo
Telle, I heart this post, and I heart you. I’m saving a big squishy cuddle for you and am extremely bummed that we STILL haven’t met for realz yet! xx
I am inspired by you Chantelle! And I think everyday we read your blog post(your life)and follow Instagram and twitter and FB and the beautiful thing about it, we get to know you! You are truly someone I would be friends with in real life and it has zero to do with your appearance! I just think u are gorgeous and make a lot of people happy and inspire so many ppl ever day! I am overweight right now and slowly loosing the weight, but although I try really hard to be more than just a person who is over weight, it’s still something that can make me crazy thinking too much about. I am someone that tries to be happy and positive…I find fluro helps a lot;) But I really like this post cos it reminds me that all of us deal with insecurities and I like that I am not alone and you aren’t either..we should have a gang…omg how cool would our gang be.. I will bring the fluro wrist bands! J xx
Oh I hear you! I had family photographs taken by Tim Coulson a couple of months ago. In the weeks (and months) leading up I was filled with dread and fear that I would ruin the photos. It turns out I was his most difficult client ever – I hid every time the camera pointed my direction! That’s until we left the security of home and headed to the beach. There was nowhere to hide! And do you know what? Those pictures are so incredibly special to me. I see a (vulnerable) Mother, but also I see a beautiful family who loves and supports me NO MATTER what I look like. It dawned on me that day, even though my husband has been telling me for years, that I really AM loved and they ARE proud of me. I would highly recommend a Tim session. Honestly xxx
Chantelle … although I’ve never seen you, I just know you’re absolutely gorgeous!
Oh Chantelle, I wish we lived closer to each other, but I’m here in the gold ole USA in the state of Arkansas now… I would run up to you and give you a huge hug and let you know that everytime I get your blog in my mailbox, I smile, just because I know your post will be upbeat and something in there will touch me! Even when you share recipes – I smile because I have not a clue about your measurements!!!! 🙂 But it sounds yummy!
I have hated not only my body, but everything about myself for the past 6 years, since I caught my husband having an “affair” with porn on the internet. I wasn’t good enough even for the person that was supposed to love me “until death do us part”. It took me 6 years and catching him at it again – but 4 weeks ago I left the state of IL and that man, and I have just begun to look at myself in the mirror and say “hey, you, you aren’t quite as bad as you think. In fact, you are actually smart, and have nice green eyes.” That’s as far as I’ve gotten in the past 4 weeks. But, it’s a start. Someday I might actually look in the mirror and like my nose or my lips. Or maybe I will be able to stand sideways and not see those huge bulges for my stomach and my behind and my thighs… I have lost some weight, and hope to lose more – but not so I can love myself and my body, but so I can be more healthy – I need to love myself now. And I want to wear a leather mini skirt with you and Danimezza and strut the stuff we all have… and hey, if we have more than the gals behind us, that’s their loss – we just have more to strut!!!
Your post made me cry. In a good way though…I mean I just hate that you feel self concious because I think you are beautiful! I hate the people feel like they can say anything about the way someone else looks and I love this linky.
Thank you for sharing. We can only do what we can and people are always going to be mean. Our best friend needs to be ourselves.
you have a real gift in communicating not only through words, but also through your pics:) I felt what I read here, and I don’t know you, but I love you for who you are and what you bring to others:) Thank you<3
I’ve never thought of you as fat or even a big girl, Chantelle, the few photos I’ve seen show a beautiful, happy and kind woman! A woman can look gorgeous any size, as long as they are otherwise living a healthy lifestyle (which does include cakes and such every once in a while!!) and the love for themselves shines through.
I gained 20 kg’s in just a few short years. It kind of sneaked up on me, and I mentally set myself limits, like “I won’t let the weight get up from 75” which then became “I won’t let the myself go past 80”, and it still went up from there. I felt awful for gaining so much extra weight, and it also started to show on my health, how I felt tired and out of spirits every day.. Even tho I had trouble finding clothes that fit from my usual shops, I refused to think I was fat, it was a mental battle between what I saw in the mirror and what I didn’t want to feel. I’ve now lost over 10 kg’s since February, it hasn’t been easy but I’m slowly getting back to my “healthy weight”. I don’t even want to go back to that “before 20 kg’s” point, as I’ve learned to love my curves and I hate the idea of losing them.. so just as long as I’m staying healthy, I want to have a little love handles and bigger bum. And every once in a while that cake, too!! 🙂
People suck. Lemme know what newsagent you were at and I’ll fly-kick that dude to the throat xx
I am on the same journey, and you’re right it IS hard… and long. I have decided, just now, in fact, that one of our biggest problems in society is comparison. SO many issues stem from this and always, well nearly always leave everyone feeling worse off! I certainly can understand how relieving and releasing it must have been to get those test results. Sometimes I have thought it would take off a lot of pressure if there was something like that factoring in to my weight issues, but deep down I know my journey is different. Hard as it is, I just have to walk it, at my pace, in my way, just as you have discovered for yourself!
Hi Chantelle…you don’t know me from a bar of soap…I have read this post and all the comments over a few days and it gave me lots to mull over. I am glad you heart your body…girl…you are GORGEOUS! Have you looked at yourself lately? That man in the newsagents was an embarrassement…obviously his son was embarrassed!!! I dont know you either…apart from your photos and blog posts and your inner beauty shines out from those. Being big is part of my life too…and I see that you and I have some similarities…we both love clothes and shoes for a start! 🙂 BUT…dont let what a small minded person said bother you…instead…look at what all these people, that link into a small part of your life think of you! You are incredibly beautiful inside and out…not everyone can claim that. Nuff said…thanks for letting me ramble!
What a beautifully written post Chantelle. My heart aches that you’ve had to go through what you’ve been through. But my God, I am proud you have made it this far and that you do heart your body. I used to love mine, but I haven’t been lately. But this whole campaign has made me rethink it again. And I’m starting to. I am starting to. And it is people like you, with posts like yours, who are helping me change my mindset. And so I thank you.
I would also like to say that whenever I’ve met/seen you, I’ve seen the most beautiful, friendly, welcoming young woman and friend. You’ve always made me feel comfortable and at ease, often at times when I’ve felt anxious and out of place. I notice your pretty smile, glossy hair, glowing skin and sassy dress sense. Don’t you ever let anyone make you feel less than special. x
Thank you for this post. I’ve been a lurker for awhile now but this one
really moved me to comment. After being fat shamed at a Trader Joe’s
food store that I regularly shopped at by one of its cashiers, I was
embarrassed and felt degraded. I no longer shop there since the woman
who did it never was reprimanded for her hurtful actions. I’m working on
loving my body the way it is right now; just striving to be healthier
and fit, instead of the goal being “skinnier”. Thank you for this
positive post and the great quote from Beth. Keep up the amazing blog.
🙂
eeeeeep I did what Beth Ditto did, one day I just accepted it.. I’m 5″11 and have never been skinny… My aim is to stay active and not put weight on. Through my 3rd pregnancy medical professionals said disgusting things about my weight to me and in my notes. So I have to get back to that happy place …
I feel a blog post coming on…
No, I don’t. But I see fabulous women every day who look confident, and I wish I could be like that too, so I guess I’ll have to fake it until I make it.
Wow…thank you!
Big hugs! You are a beautiful person, inside and out. You should ‘heart’ your body. It produced Lacey didn’t it? So what if you’re bigger? You always look immaculate and take pride in your appearance. I think you’re great 🙂
Thanks Jay. And yep it made a baby. Pretty amazing stuff. xxxxx
Maybe my favourite post ever xxx
You encouraged me, brought tears to my eyes as someone’s whose always struggled with her weight & now due to illness & medications & am in a situation where your words have me acceptance & love of myself as I am going to heart my body too ~ ♥ ~
Chauntelle, you should be so proud of yourself. Be proud, be happy and be strong. You are a beautiful person inside and out. With love xx
Chantelle (sorry I hate spelling people’s names wrong, I have a friend who spells it with a ‘u’ oops!)
Ha. I actually don’t even notice. It can be spelt so many different ways. Thanks for picking up on it. x
You are a beautiful woman. I also have a genetic reason for my bodies difficulty in losing weight. I also have a hard time dealing with it as well. But my husband loves me, my kids love me, and my friends and family love me, not because I’m a “big girl” as I like to say, but because I am me. I have read your posts, I follow you on instagram, and I like you. I think you are creative and fun and I would love to have the chance to meet you and talk! I think its sad that so many women have to deal with this issue. Why is being “skinny” so attractive? If there was one thing I could tell every woman of every shape and size it would be that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, DESIRABLE, NEEDED, SOUGHT AFTER AND DESERVING OF LOVE!!
You are beautiful Monica. Thank you. x
Fantastic post. I really wish I could love my body. I have M.E. and in the last 2 years, have gone from a UK size 6 to a UK size 14. I’m not huge, but I feel it because I was so small before. My illness means I don’t have the energy to exercise enough to help, so I need to get used to being this size. One day, hopefully, I’ll be proud to be the size I am x
You are perfectly beautiful, just the way you are… those people that spew and mutter hateful things are the one’s lacking in beauty… and in self-esteem… they do that to make themselves feel better about themselves… but it doesn’t work… take pride that you are showing yourself love and being the best you you can be 🙂
You are hands down one of the prettiest girls I know.
I was only looking at photos of you on your blog the other day when I wished I was half as naturally beautiful as you are. I’m trying to heart my body too. Recently I realised my problem is comparison. Without it there’s no need to feel like you’re less so, I’m working on that. IN addition to being really pretty you’re also a talented writer. In my humble opinion, that’s worth much much more than any physical appearance.
To know you is to love you Chantelle. You are a person that shines out from behind your vehicle. So to hear that “you heart your body” is music to my ears. It’s something I wish for every women I know.xxxx
Thanks Jen. Miss you lots. xx
You are you and no one should ever make you feel inferior. I have to admit myself when I am out and about I may think to myself they are big but you know I always think that there may be a reason for this and if my daughters are with me I actually point that out to them. I am more judgmental with how short someone’s skirt is than anything else. You are beautiful and you should be proud of your self and what you have achieved and share your positiveness with your beautiful girls. I have to admit it has taken me a long time to accept my body. But I am happy. Well done on turning around to that man so proud of you. Take care never stop being you. Vicki xx
you are so gorgeous! I have tears in my eyes about the newsagent! I grew up very overweight and my family used to call me fat 🙁 they paid for me to go weight watchers straight out of high school and would eat dessert but tell me I couldn’t have any because I was too fat. it too a long time to get over it and if I’ve learnt anything it’s the positive way I bring up my own girls. And then elodie’s paedetrician told me a few weeks ago he is me to a dietician for her weight, I nearly cried. We all have a healthy diet here and it seems so silly to be worried about a 2 yer old. We saw a geneticist because of a few other problems and are testing her metabolism for any conditions and her weight and I’d rather do that than put my 2 year old on a strict diet.
what a great post, I’m still not brave enough to tell my story but maybe you’ve made me:)
the whole blogging world thinks your gorgeous and I hope the good thoughts outweigh any bad.
Corrie:)
Oh gosh, I can’t imagine how tough that is. I remember my mum surprising me by taking me to the dietitian and it was a horrible experience. Most of all because I wasn’t expecting it at 8 years of age. She was trying to do what was best, but she was really young and didn’t know how to go about it.
I think the best gift we have is awareness. I know Lacey probably has my genes {but isn’t showing any signs yet, thankfully} but like you, I’ll just make sure she has the healthiest life possible.
xxxxx
look I got all teary and wrote your instead of you’re!
Wow ! I admire you a lot. I do not understand how people can be so mean when it comes to weight… Why do they even care. It is not their body ! I cannot say I know what you went through but know that sometimes children are the worst. Especially at school. I had a lot of acne at that time and the way people looked at me often hurt me… Actually there are days when I do love my body, I think : “well it’s not that bad” and other days when I see every little imperfections that I dislike. But I am just a human being, I am not perfect but it does not mean that I have to depreciate me because some studip people do not accept me the way I am. I have never commented one of your posts before but I really like them. I love the way you see the world and your positiveness.
Thanks Mallory. And a big thank you for finally commenting. I know that’s a big step.
I’m the same as you, some days self-love is better than others. xx
Beautiful. You. Your words. Your whole being. This is bringing me to tears. I’m so glad you shared. I so know. Truly, I do. (hugs and love)
Thanks Andrea. Big hugs right back. x
What a heart wrenching post, Chantelle. I can’t believe that people, total strangers, have commented on what size you are? You are sooo pretty! I imagine people turning their heads to look at you because you are stand out gorgeous!
I had a horrible experience yesterday, though nothing like yours, but it made me feel awful, especially because I didn’t mean to do the wrong thing – just like you in the line. I pulled out in front of a car that I honestly didn’t see. I never take risks when I’m driving so I never, ever intentionally pull out in front of a car. It was a dark blue car and later in the afternoon and we were on our country road. I waved to them, mouthing the biggest ‘sorry!’ I could. But they honked at me for ages and then they overtook me. And then the passenger stuck his finger up at me for ages. I felt so horrible. So I can’t imagine how you must have felt with that man also commenting on your weight. I guess some people are just really angry and feel good about venting that onto others. I don’t know how they can do it.
Thanks for sharing such a heart felt post, Chantelle. Really beautiful and also heart breaking, for me. x
That’s scary! I hope you were OK afterwards? xx
this post confused me. not because it was ‘disjointed’ but because, following your blog, Facebook page, photoaday, Instagram, I have built a picture in my head. I see a loving young wife and mum. Happy in her new home and with a heart and soul as bright as sunshine! A girl who says what she thinks, doesn’t tolerate unnecessary nastiness and spreads so much joy around! I’ve been I’ll a while now and, although I also have a loving family around me whom I adore, I have been struggling with how I look ( no hair, swollen face from meds) and funnily enough, It was YOU who turned me round and gave me a more positive view of the World. The photo challenge, particularly, is now a focus and checking your blog each day, usually gives me ‘food for thought’ each day. You don’t seem to realise the impact you have sweet girl! please, go and have another look in that mirror and, please, use my eyes….Remember what , I’m sure you tel, your kids, someone else’s opinion can only hurt you if YOU let it…..xxxx
What a powerful comment Donna. thank you. All those things you said are true. I’m happy, love life, enjoy my family – but I’m not perfect. And that’s a beautiful thing. I’m getting to know myself, learning to love my body {it’s a journey!} and I’m getting there.
I’ll look at myself through your eyes today. Thank you. xx
This brought tears to my eyes. I feel the same way about you as Donna. I kinda *stalk* your instagram pictures because they are always so bright, happy and positive, and set me up for happiness for the whole day. You are beautiful and such a lovely person. Walk past the construction workers and tell them to get stuffed.
I recently saw a picture of you (apart from the one on here) and I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a little through your blog. I didn’t see you weight, I saw you, I saw your eyes and I thought “Oh look its Chantelle (felt a little happy about seeing you as even though you don’t know me I feel like I know you, you know that proud moment when you say “I know her”) anyway, I saw happiness, and beauty and through your blog I thought, she’s a gorgeous great mother, I want to be more like her (and cook like her)!
People who comment on other’s weight have their own issues, we should see people for who they are and if we don’t know them we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
I’d like to think that your gentle confrontation taught that man’s son a lesson he wasn’t able to teach him directly.
Do you mind telling us what your syndrome is? Is it PCOS?
Sure. It’s a severe case of Insulin Resistance. So after eating my insulin levels go sky high and take forever to come back down {to where they’d burn off the energy}. I think people with PCOS often have IR?
Yes, often they go together. I have PCOS and watched my weight ever so slowly climb over the past years, despite eating pretty well (I’m far from saintly about it) and exercising regularly. Have you tried any herbal remedies to supplement? I’m taking a bunch of homeopathic and herbal things and also getting acupuncture to stimulate my pancreas. I’ve so far refused the medication that was recommended by the endocrinologist (it’s for diabetes and I don’t have have that) and am trying more natural ways first, plus my primary doctor says I shouldn’t be on that medicine anyhow. It doesn’t mean we can’t look however we want; it just means we have to work a bit harder. 😉
I’ve been there a LOT of times….I’ve heard those nasty words….said with such venom…most times for no reason at all….just me walking by. It’s sad but those words have so much power in my mind….so many memories are laced with sadness because of other peoples hatred of someone different to them. I’m working on the strength I need to just simply not hear it. I’m also a lesbian and have experienced the worst of people’s hatred. Being hated for being yourself…..people please teach your children well.
Allison
I too am going through a similar journey. My new philosophy is to worry about my weight only in terms of health, to love myself, to care about the impact I have on my loved ones, not how I look. Like your friend, I am oblivious to comments, I’m sure people make them, I just have never noticed. And besides, anything other people had to say would pale to insignificance next to what I say to myself. I am so glad that you have found a doctor who hasn’t told you “you have to just do it the old fashioned way” and loose weight. Good luck and know that your beauty has N.O.T.H.I.N.G to do with how you look and everything to do with who you are. You inspire me.
Chantelle; Thank you so much for linking up. It means so much to me to see your post. Yesterday when you told me your post was scheduled I literally jumped around my apartment. I cannot thank you enough!
You are beautiful, inside and out. I am so happy to read that you are finally proud of yourself and confident, you deserve to be xxx
Carly x
This is the most beautiful post of yours I have ever read.
I remember a {long} while ago you posted along the lines of wishing to be a fly on the wall, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to give you your fly on the wall moment;
When I got home from the Kidspot awards in Sydney, my best friend wanted a complete wrap up, & so we gossiped & shared stories etc. like ALL women do 🙂
I said to her that one of the highlights was meeting you … that we spoke for maybe 5-10 minutes, that you wore this incredible navy dress with sleeves, that you were beautiful {even more beautiful than I imagined}, & that you just seemed to have the sweetest personality.
Remember … this is what women do when they swap stories, they describe outfits, appearance, & personality {so I am sorry for embarrassing you} 🙂
I hope you’re able to hold yourself in as high regard as what others hold you in, & it sounds like you’re on your way 🙂
Cherie @ we heart life
Thank you Cherie. What nice things you said. Thank you. xxxx
I have had this journey in the past few years. I don’t know if its age or just a decision to accept but I am fat and that’s just how it is! I eat well and exercise and it just is. I love my family and friends and they love me; my husband of 20 years loves me just as I am, right now. It just is.
Well done for making this journey! We are here to support you how ever we can!
I have had this journey in the past few years. I don’t know if its age or just a decision to accept but I am fat and that’s just how it is! I eat well and exercise and it just is. I love my family and friends and they love me; my husband of 20 years loves me just as I am, right now. It just is.
Well done for making this journey! We are here to support you how ever we can!
Please don’t worry about what others think of you on the outside. You’re beautiful inside and out. You have a family who loves you and friends who love you as well. That’s all you have to worry about. Not mindless people out there. ~HUGS~
Please don’t worry about what others think of you on the outside. You’re beautiful inside and out. You have a family who loves you and friends who love you as well. That’s all you have to worry about. Not mindless people out there. ~HUGS~
Such a beautiful post. I am so saddened by physical jibes that leave someone feeling less of themself.. I have a large scar that can’t be covered on my back. It limits my clothes and I couldn’t wear the wedding dress I would have loved. Now I have moved to Australia it is seen regularly thanks to our lifestyle at the beach.
I have had so many hurtful comments over the years but as I have aged I have realised it is the vocalist that is lacking.. imagine the terrible personality they are stuck with for life that they can utter those words and walk away thinking it is ok.. shame on them.. the fact that your heart your body and have taken a sensible approach to making it the best body you can have for you shows you are beautiful inside and out.. they best way to be x
Such a beautiful post. I am so saddened by physical jibes that leave someone feeling less of themself.. I have a large scar that can’t be covered on my back. It limits my clothes and I couldn’t wear the wedding dress I would have loved. Now I have moved to Australia it is seen regularly thanks to our lifestyle at the beach.
I have had so many hurtful comments over the years but as I have aged I have realised it is the vocalist that is lacking.. imagine the terrible personality they are stuck with for life that they can utter those words and walk away thinking it is ok.. shame on them.. the fact that your heart your body and have taken a sensible approach to making it the best body you can have for you shows you are beautiful inside and out.. they best way to be x
This made me cry. Like many women, I’ve spent a lifetime battling society’s expectation of the perfect size. I’ve been a size 8 {size 4 US + I was constantly starving) and a size 14 – but my natural fall-weight is a 12 {US 8}.
I still battle with my body but now I’m in my 40s, I’m kind of jack of the drama of it all, and frankly – have no choice but to accept I’ll never be an 8 again. My turning point was this: Do I want to be starving or do I want to enjoy food? Do I want to be trapped by stats and figures or do I want to be free? Do I want to be scrawny or healthy? Do I want to live with self-hate and anxiety or with joy? Do I want an oppressed life or a vivacious, rich life (albeit with wobbly thighs)?
Do I want to be unnaturally thin or do I want to be happy?
Chantelle, you are beautiful.
x
Beautifully said. I take happy. x
This made me cry. Like many women, I’ve spent a lifetime battling society’s expectation of the perfect size. I’ve been a size 8 {size 4 US + I was constantly starving) and a size 14 – but my natural fall-weight is a 12 {US 8}.
I still battle with my body but now I’m in my 40s, I’m kind of jack of the drama of it all, and frankly – have no choice but to accept I’ll never be an 8 again. My turning point was this: Do I want to be starving or do I want to enjoy food? Do I want to be trapped by stats and figures or do I want to be free? Do I want to be scrawny or healthy? Do I want to live with self-hate and anxiety or with joy? Do I want an oppressed life or a vivacious, rich life (albeit with wobbly thighs)?
Do I want to be unnaturally thin or do I want to be happy?
Chantelle, you are beautiful.
x
I’m so sorry for the guy in the line that made you feel less than beautiful, made you want to head home :(. The truth is…you should love your body. It’s part of you, no matter the size, the vessel of life indeed. And you are a fantastic woman, inspiring others each day. That is def something to celebrate and love! HUGS! :0)
I’m so sorry for the guy in the line that made you feel less than beautiful, made you want to head home :(. The truth is…you should love your body. It’s part of you, no matter the size, the vessel of life indeed. And you are a fantastic woman, inspiring others each day. That is def something to celebrate and love! HUGS! :0)
What a beautiful message. Honestly, I’m sick and tired of thinking about it all. I’m a mum of two amazing little boys (3yrs & 5mths), they were big babies and I had complications, some severe. I haven’t really had the time nor could I really be bothered getting on the whole gym and exercise bandwagon and as a result I’m a little bigger. I feel awful and wear clothes to hide everything, feel self conscious all the time and avoid photos with my boys. I have some friends who are wonderfully confident and embrace their curves, love life and love themselves and I wish, I really wish, that I could be like that. So what’s stopping me? ME!! It’s a work in progress and maybe one day there will be a day that I will say ‘I love me and my body’ and its messages like yours that will encourage me to get there xx
What a beautiful message. Honestly, I’m sick and tired of thinking about it all. I’m a mum of two amazing little boys (3yrs & 5mths), they were big babies and I had complications, some severe. I haven’t really had the time nor could I really be bothered getting on the whole gym and exercise bandwagon and as a result I’m a little bigger. I feel awful and wear clothes to hide everything, feel self conscious all the time and avoid photos with my boys. I have some friends who are wonderfully confident and embrace their curves, love life and love themselves and I wish, I really wish, that I could be like that. So what’s stopping me? ME!! It’s a work in progress and maybe one day there will be a day that I will say ‘I love me and my body’ and its messages like yours that will encourage me to get there xx
You don’t know me, I read your blog everyday. Hello! You have brought tears to my eyes! I have been lets say overweight since puberty, I managed to lose weight and then of course it rebounded and came back to haunt me. I was bullied at school by someone who has now married my cousin…what goes around comes around…now she is scared of what I may say to her husband…why would I bother?
When I started my current job in 2008 I had a colleague tell me I eat the wrong foods….I looked at her and asked her why she is bothering to watch what I eat in the 30 minutes we get each day to ourselves at work…and that perhaps she should be watching her tongue because its not nice to be cruel to others…she had no come back!
My daughter was on the 5th percentile when she was born for weight and has in the last 14 months got herself to the 90th percentile – I had a lady at playgroup tell me she was fat! All I said back was yes she has blossomed because of the love my family and I have given her. How can a baby be fat??? I won’t let those comments start that young for my daughter, thats not fair!
Anyway, what I am trying to say is life is too short, love yourself for you. For I can see through your blog and facebook and instagram that you are a happy wife and mama to a precious little girl. Your blog resounds BEAUTY and LOVE so go with that and if you get “thinner” then embrace it! As long as you are healthy WHO CARES!!?? Treat people correctly as you do and know that you wouldn’t speak like the man in the newsagency line.
In the end, it is us ourselves that have to be happy with our own life and lie straight in bed at night….
Thank you for a beautiful post and for reminding me to embrace my body.
Wow, what a fantastic, open and honest post and a beautiful message, thank you Chantelle. We need more women like you out there flying the self love flag and showing people that taking better care of yourself isn’t just about what you put in your mouth, it’s looking after what goes on in your head too. I’ve been known to partake in some pretty emotionally damaging behaviors before all in the name of weight and low self esteem but I too now am on the road to recovery. I find writing is super therapeutic and helps me sort out some of the stuff that goes on in my head. Good on you, you’re an inspiration.
Sending you lots of love and positive vibes,
Kristy xx
Excellent post! It’s so easy to get hung up on what we see in the mirror, or a number on the scales, when that doesn’t really matter at all. I have never liked my body, I’ve spent so many years thinking I was fat and ugly when I was anything but. Having my daughter has given me a new appreciation for what my body can do and what it has given me, and now I appreciate it so much more than I ever have.
Respect, lady. Well said.
Telle, you are one of the most beautiful women I’ve seen. And I am so SO pleased that you are finally starting to see that. xx
Thank you Amelia. xxx
this post is heartbreaking, only because it shows how creul life can really be
– you are a gorgeous personi have followed your blog (tried to do photoaday), and a few weeks ago saw you from a distance at probloggermy husband battles with his weight, i know it bothers him all the time – and i feel so helpless around himmaybe we all need to change the way we think about our bodies and rethink what is most importantxxx
I want to say I know exactly how your feel but … regardless of the situation, we can never know exactly how another person feels. Even the same situation. My first husband left me after 22 years because I had gained weight over the years. As a young adult I was anorexic because of him. Leaving me was the best thing he ever did for me. Interestingly, he’s still not happy but I am. I have a long way to go before I can like my body but I’m working on it. It is after all, the only body I’ll ever have! xoxo
I hate that anyone treated you like that, but you are one of the most beautiful people I know {and have had the pleasure of meeting} and I know that he didn’t deserve you. I love the beautiful relationship you and NY have. So blessed. xxx
Your body is lucky to have you
x
Thank you Jess. x
Chantelle, I’m so pleased you turned around and looked that bully in the eye. He was using your weight as a weapon because he didn’t have the guts (or manners) to step up politely and assert his place in line – passive aggressive and nasty. You are better than that. And you are beautiful, regardless of what weight you happen to be.
I do love my body. It is an amazing thing. And after having two kids, it has changed shape, but I think it is for the better. I’m rounder and my kids love my soft bits. 🙂 I’ve sat at the other end of the spectrum where people accuse me of being anorexic, and tell me I’m too skinny (when I’m not, I’m at a healthy BMI), and tell me that I don’t need to eat so healthily because I don’t need to lose weight (since when has healthy eating been solely about losing weight?), or tell me to eat more (when I already eat like a horse). It’s irritating that others focus on my body in a negative way, and that they talk about my weight. These people would not go up to an overweight person and tell them to eat less, I’m sure! It comes back to the fact that they don’t love their own bodies and we should all probably stop comparing ourselves, and get on with being happy and healthy in our own selves.
Whether someone is small or large, so long as they are healthy and happy, that is all that matters.
I find it’s really easy to tell the difference between an anorexic person and a naturally skinny person. And I hate the link between eating healthy and weight loss. Why can’t healthy just be healthy?
Telle. You are such a beautiful, amazing person. When I saw you at ProBlogger I knew it was you instantly by your gentleness and I was SO shy meeting you. Dani is one beautiful girl too, and I’m so proud to call her one of my best friends. I’m so glad you have her in your life too, and that her confidence is rubbing off on you xx
You just ooze beauty, inside and out. Was so nice to meet you. xx
Beautiful post, very inspiring. In my opinion, you have so much more to offer the world then a wanker that teaches his son to be hateful. Thank you for what you do every day, you are a lovely person on the outside and you have brightened my every day since I began following your blog.
Thank you. xx
I strongly believe you have to love your body before you can do anything with your body that is healthy. People say they’ll love their body when they *insert expectation here* but it’s the other way around. Love it FIRST. Then, if you want to work on changing it, do so, that’s fine, I don’t believe that we can’t both love our bodies and work on making them the healthiest, strongest, most comfortable, best they can be.
But the love cannot be conditional on anything else. Not on health, not on size, not on shape. It has to come first. It can’t be “I will love my body when it…” No. Love it every day. Love you every day. Because that’s the only true way to love and accept your body.
Unconditional love is a funny thing, isn’t it? I’ve been talking to Shane a lot about it lately because since we’ve got a dog I’ve seen unconditional love. She loves me if I haven’t done my hair, if I’m in the crankiest mood, if I forget to feed her, if I’ve just yelled at her, as well as when I’ve taken her for a great walk, given her big hugs, played ball or just spent time with her. She loves me no matter what. Her love for me is unconditional, truly.
I was given a book for my 23rd birthday from a friend titled something like, “I’ll love myself when…” and the point was that I should love myself now.
I think the best things happen when we love ourselves. I found love when I fell in love with myself {exactly a week after I did I found Shane}.
Thank you for this comment. It’s so so so powerful and true. Thank you. x
Love this post Chantelle. I’m a work in progress, don’t think I heart my body all the time, but I really heart that it’s given me two gorgeous kiddies. I feel sorry that I don’t heart it enough actually!!!
I heart you and this post and your honesty. And I love the joy you spread with all of your loveliness, generosity and positivity – you brighten so many peoples day with your words and photos.xoxoxoxoox
Thanks Amy. That means so much to me. Thank you. xxxx
Thank you for this honest post. Here is a quote from another lady with spunk: ‘I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond’ ~ Mae West
Are you willing to share the name of the test that was carried out?
Oh I love that quote. It was the 2 hours glucose test, but instead of being just tested for diabetes I was tested for Insulin Resistance. So my blood sugar levels are perfect, but my Insulin Levels are insanely high.
Have you had something similar?
Thank you for this post Chantelle….you have made my day a lot
brighter. I have become fat & I am struggling with every aspect of
it…this has helped….A LOT! <3
I love you, one day we’ll both wear mini skirts and purposefully walk past construction sites together… and not give a fuck xx
This has made me smile ALL day. The thought of it. Even if we’re 72 and just finished a game of bingo, we will. Thank you for being such an inspiration. x
Beautiful and moving. I heart your heart.
I DO!! And I am so happy for you!! Such a hard thing to embrace & keep working at, but so worth it. The only person that is with you your entire life is you, so love you, accept you & BE you with all you have. <3
Love you to bits Chantelle. x
Body image is so hard. I was called fat a bit by my parents (my dad still tries to which is one reason among many I told him to stick it and never speak to me again) and now I can see how I was pretty skinny in my so-called fat days. I’m currently the heaviest I’ve ever been. I don’t like it, but I know the reasons behind it. Like you, I’m working on it in my own way. And doing what suits you/your body is the best way to manage it! I’ve had to learn a lot about nutrition in recent years & it hurts when you explain some basic nutrition to people but their face still says “I won’t listen to you because you’re fat”.
We seem a lot a like. Big hugs. xxxxx
Chantelle you are one of the most stunning people I know.
Thanks Eden. I absolutely feel the same way about you. xxx
Chantelle, that was such a touching post. How absolutely wonderful that you can say you heart your body. I’m not there yet but your post today has inspired me to try a bit harder xx
I saw you at problogger. I was too shy to say hi, but all I could think was how gorgeous and amazing you looked, and how beautiful your presence was. I loved this post – thank you for your vulnerability x
This made my teary. You know one of the biggest anxieties of Problogger was that I might disappoint people with the way I looked. It’s just a thing I felt.
For you to say this really empowers me. Thank you. xxxxxx
This is a wonderful post Chantelle! Thank you for you
open and frank feelings.. I don’t, don’t think I ever have loved my body .. I
try and sometimes I “believe” myself .. other times not so much but
your post if nothing else is reassuring to me to know that I’m not alone! you
are gorgeous, I don’t see your weight (at all!) but I see mine.. funny isn’t
it! what we allow ourselves to see and what we don’t! thank you and keep up all
your positivity! it really does rub off <3
Isn’t it funny? Today, when we were out, I pointed out a curvy girl to Shane and said, “I would love to look like her. To be her size. She’s beautiful.”
Hubby was astonished. He said, “You’re just like her, perhaps smaller. Why can’t you see yourself as we see you?”
Thank you. I think the spirit of the community here is contagious, which is wonderful. x
I love this post- I’m sitting in a Drs waiting room and now have tears. I must admit I don’t heart my body. I really heart all aspects of my life except my body. I have tried to loose weight, get fitter and e en Ccept the way I am but have always failed. I know I need help but from where I don’t know.
For me the start to everything was sessions with Julie from Beautiful You. Google her. I truly believe just one hour chatting with her will change your life. And if you can’t afford that, or aren’t ready – then Geneen Roth’s book Women, Food & God will be brilliant for you. {It’s not religious, don’t worry.} xxxx
What a beautiful post. You are beautiful, in all ways possible.
You have a beautiful body, and an even more beautiful spirit. xoxox
Thank you Zoey. Right back at you. x
This is a beautiful post Chantelle.
xx
You know, from the little I know about you (via a few social media interactions), I know enough to see that there is a light that radiates from within you and it touches everyone. You are beautiful, Chantelle.
This has moved me to tears. I’m so sorry that you were treated that way. Amazing post, Chantelle, love it.
Thanks lovely. x
When are people going to learn to grow up? I am so sorry that this person has made you feel this way. You are gorgeous just the way you are, and your beautiful smile can brighten any dull day 🙂
Thank you Lizzy. x
awwwww…. big xxx’s
This reminded me of a Chrissie Swan article about the inappropriateness of certain comments. I think she used the term “how very dare you” and I just think that could not apply more here. How very dare that man. Beautiful post x
I read that piece, it wasn’t long after it had happened and I thought just that, “How VERY dare you.”
I love this post and it makes me sad sort of at the same time. Seriously lady, you’re so gorgeous and talented and fun and just plain old hot. I know it’s not about getting some form of reinforcement from me but I felt like saying it. So just know that, from me to you. And keep on, keeping on.
Thanks for this. Those were pretty darn awesome words to read. Thank you. x
Thank you so much for these inspiring words Chantelle. You are such an empowering woman and your body is yours. You inspire so many of us, and today, here, you have told us all to begin to accept and listen to ourselves. Being proud of yourself is so much more then how you look on the outside. It is what is inside!
Thank you xoxo
I love this post! It’s taken me ten years to fall in love with my body – my 52nd birthday is knocking on my door & I can honestly say I’m having the best love affair ever – with me! Thanks for sharing this great post… Keep being beautiful!
Thanking you so much for sharing that! I hear you, and I feel exactly the same. I have never been tested (and yeah my Dad is big) – now you have me wondering! That man should never have said anything to his son – how rude of him. But that is what our society is like. And yep I am too slowly learning to Heart My Body. Its not easy, but its the only one i have. Thanking you for sharing from your heart xxx
It’s called Insulin Resistance. Not many doctors will test for it. Symptoms include darker skin under your eyes, skin tags on your body, acne and excess hair {I don’t have the acne very often or the excess hair}. Plus being tired is a symptom too, as well as irregular periods {mine are regular TMI}. So not all the symptoms have to be present.
It’s something that I’ve always had, and never knew about. It can often see weight gain in the teen years, during pregnancy and during menopause. Does your dad have diabetes?
I love you xxxx
There is a quiet understanding amongst the women who know what it feels like to hear the word fat at a mile radius or to walk into a room completely conscious of your size and the room that you perceive that you take up……I read this and felt like I had found a kindred thank you so much for your honesty.
Beautiful post Chantelle – just like you! x
Thank you so so much for this post! It’s just what I needed, sitting in my puddle of self pity. I’ve also had public comments about my weight – I was told by some bastard, in front of a group of 10 of his mates, that I was “a 2 and my friend was an 8!” It’s a superficial world, how do we protect our little girls and their body image?
Sweetheart, you are one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet – and I mean both inside and out. You have almost 25 000 people on Facebook alone who connect with you because of the beauty that you see in the everyday things in life. We see you. We know how beautiful you are. I just wish you did xxx
Your beautiful body gave you your daughter- that is worth more than any comment or snigger from any ignorant stranger sweet…
Look after it and you and her….
Melissa x
you are the kindest and sweetest soul i know… if only everybody could have just a little of your kindness the world would be a beautiful place! what on earth is that father teaching that child? in a house where we dont say the word fat or ever talk about our own weight, let alone others… im shocked to hear somebody would openly say such mean and hurtful things! i tell audrey constantly that it doesnt matter how you look on the outside, its whats on the inside that is most important! i love every ounce of you… of your vehicle! you are brave beyond belief… how you just put yourself out there and give so much of yourself freely is inspiring! hugs to you my lovely friend xxx
I hear you, loud and clear. Thanks for sharing xoxox.
Oh what a beautiful honest and tear producing post, Chantelle! I cried even more reading some of the comments. You are beautiful and the way in which you write is a reflection of that. Thank you for sharing in raw honesty x
Lady, you are beautiful. Always. x
Um, I had no idea you were a ‘big’ girl. Not that it changes anything. I’ve also got a mental picture of you, having only seen your face so far, I think, and you’re not ‘big’ to me, anyway. Your heart is big and so is your attitude towards others. I’ve been a big girl for most of my life, too. Even when I was younger I felt big and was convinced I was, even though I see in photos that I wasn’t. I understand that self-awareness of other people and the hurt they cause through their words. Keep up the attitude and embrace you for who you are. And you are beautiful. I’ve just recently shared some of my weight loss story on my blog. Perhaps it will inspire you, not necessarily to lose weight, but just to continue to not diet and be healthy and active, which is more important, anyway. Here’s the blog post, if you’re interested: http://asiwriteit.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/the-food-journal-story.html
I don’t look at you and see your body. I see your amazing mind, your awesome personality and that cool chick I know called ‘Chantelle’.
I’m so glad you pulled up the guy in the line. I am big on that. People wish I would just shut up when I bring attention to people that are being dicks, but they are NEVER capable of saying anything once being caught out. If you don’t have anything nice to say, etc etc.
Big love xox
(As an aside, my logical brain went “No, of course you don’t see her body, she’s behind a computer!” which is true, but not relevant right now 😉 )
You are beautiful. I know what it feels like to have a radar for criticism about my appearance. It’s tough. Have belief that you are beautiful – and I admire you so much x
I heart my body. I certainly didn’t in my 20s. But then I didn’t heart myself very much at all. The more I grew to love myself, after experiencing motherhood in my early 30s and what it meant to love a child, the nicer I became to myself. But I never was truly hearting my body. I lost 30kgs, but I still wasn’t happy. I still suffered from a variety of health issues. It wasn’t until the last few months when I realised I had to really address my body, my health & my fitness and I started CrossFit & following a paleo lifestyle that I truly started loving my body. It was suddenly stronger, more energetic, slimmer (I lost 31cms in 25 days and have kept that off), I could do yoga moves that I couldn’t before. The most amazing changes happened. Now my brain hasn’t really caught up yet – I still can’t believe I feel so amazing by doing something so simple. And I still can’t believe I can do physical things I couldn’t before. I’m still saying I can’t do push ups & then I drop down & can. I’ve had issues all my life about my body and fat, so I’m more than happy to share that with nearly 3 months of CrossFit & changing slowly to eating a paleo diet I can finally say that I heart my body.
This post struck so many nerves with me. Two mainly.
Firstly, like many of the other comments, following your blog, instagram and Facebook I have you picked as a wonderful woman, full of bright ideas and plenty of love to share. This, to me, is far more important than any snide comment from a wanker having a hissy fit in a line. Always remember how loved you are for all the joy you bring to people’s lives – be it giving everyone a bright idea or some inspiration on your blog, or your close network of family and friends.
Secondly, I have also struggled with weight loss. I was always the “fat” or “chubby” kid. At uni, I lost about 20kgs. I was and still am so proud of myself. I still have fat days where I look at myself and am completely unhappy with how I look. These same days are also the days where if someone is laughing (even if it’s a child at school [I’m a teacher]), I automatically go into paranoid-mode and think it MUST be about me – nothing else is happening, so it must be something I’ve done/something I look like.
It’s so hard to be kind to yourself. But I think by sharing these posts, and enjoying yourself with life and not image, is an important step in love. If your photoaday challenges have taught me anything (besides remembering to take a photo every day haha), it’s to look for the beauty in every day life. Every now and then it has to be you!
Tonight I have cried the most incredible pools of happy tears and some sad tears through reading all these amazing body stories but every single one has given me hope and inspiration. You are just divine hun – in every way. You are one of the kindest people and when I was lucky enough to meet you, I just knew from your hug that you were real and genuine and beautiful in every possible way. xx
I love this post.. Go you! xxoo
Telle, I heart this post, and I heart you. I’m saving a big squishy cuddle for you and am extremely bummed that we STILL haven’t met for realz yet! xx
I am inspired by you Chantelle! And I think everyday we read your blog post(your life)and follow Instagram and twitter and FB and the beautiful thing about it, we get to know you! You are truly someone I would be friends with in real life and it has zero to do with your appearance! I just think u are gorgeous and make a lot of people happy and inspire so many ppl ever day! I am overweight right now and slowly loosing the weight, but although I try really hard to be more than just a person who is over weight, it’s still something that can make me crazy thinking too much about. I am someone that tries to be happy and positive…I find fluro helps a lot;) But I really like this post cos it reminds me that all of us deal with insecurities and I like that I am not alone and you aren’t either..we should have a gang…omg how cool would our gang be.. I will bring the fluro wrist bands! J xx
Oh I hear you! I had family photographs taken by Tim Coulson a couple of months ago. In the weeks (and months) leading up I was filled with dread and fear that I would ruin the photos. It turns out I was his most difficult client ever – I hid every time the camera pointed my direction! That’s until we left the security of home and headed to the beach. There was nowhere to hide! And do you know what? Those pictures are so incredibly special to me. I see a (vulnerable) Mother, but also I see a beautiful family who loves and supports me NO MATTER what I look like. It dawned on me that day, even though my husband has been telling me for years, that I really AM loved and they ARE proud of me. I would highly recommend a Tim session. Honestly xxx
I’m not sure if this is old news but I thought you might like this “Stella–This is my body deal with it http://www.mamamia.com.au/social/body-image-this-is-my-body/. This is a link to her blog http://thebodyloveblog.tumblr.com/ .
Chantelle … although I’ve never seen you, I just know you’re absolutely gorgeous!
Oh Chantelle, I wish we lived closer to each other, but I’m here in the gold ole USA in the state of Arkansas now… I would run up to you and give you a huge hug and let you know that everytime I get your blog in my mailbox, I smile, just because I know your post will be upbeat and something in there will touch me! Even when you share recipes – I smile because I have not a clue about your measurements!!!! 🙂 But it sounds yummy!
I have hated not only my body, but everything about myself for the past 6 years, since I caught my husband having an “affair” with porn on the internet. I wasn’t good enough even for the person that was supposed to love me “until death do us part”. It took me 6 years and catching him at it again – but 4 weeks ago I left the state of IL and that man, and I have just begun to look at myself in the mirror and say “hey, you, you aren’t quite as bad as you think. In fact, you are actually smart, and have nice green eyes.” That’s as far as I’ve gotten in the past 4 weeks. But, it’s a start. Someday I might actually look in the mirror and like my nose or my lips. Or maybe I will be able to stand sideways and not see those huge bulges for my stomach and my behind and my thighs… I have lost some weight, and hope to lose more – but not so I can love myself and my body, but so I can be more healthy – I need to love myself now. And I want to wear a leather mini skirt with you and Danimezza and strut the stuff we all have… and hey, if we have more than the gals behind us, that’s their loss – we just have more to strut!!!
Your post made me cry. In a good way though…I mean I just hate that you feel self concious because I think you are beautiful! I hate the people feel like they can say anything about the way someone else looks and I love this linky.
Thank you for sharing. We can only do what we can and people are always going to be mean. Our best friend needs to be ourselves.
you have a real gift in communicating not only through words, but also through your pics:) I felt what I read here, and I don’t know you, but I love you for who you are and what you bring to others:) Thank you<3
I’ve never thought of you as fat or even a big girl, Chantelle, the few photos I’ve seen show a beautiful, happy and kind woman! A woman can look gorgeous any size, as long as they are otherwise living a healthy lifestyle (which does include cakes and such every once in a while!!) and the love for themselves shines through.
I gained 20 kg’s in just a few short years. It kind of sneaked up on me, and I mentally set myself limits, like “I won’t let the weight get up from 75” which then became “I won’t let the myself go past 80”, and it still went up from there. I felt awful for gaining so much extra weight, and it also started to show on my health, how I felt tired and out of spirits every day.. Even tho I had trouble finding clothes that fit from my usual shops, I refused to think I was fat, it was a mental battle between what I saw in the mirror and what I didn’t want to feel. I’ve now lost over 10 kg’s since February, it hasn’t been easy but I’m slowly getting back to my “healthy weight”. I don’t even want to go back to that “before 20 kg’s” point, as I’ve learned to love my curves and I hate the idea of losing them.. so just as long as I’m staying healthy, I want to have a little love handles and bigger bum. And every once in a while that cake, too!! 🙂
People suck. Lemme know what newsagent you were at and I’ll fly-kick that dude to the throat xx
I am on the same journey, and you’re right it IS hard… and long. I have decided, just now, in fact, that one of our biggest problems in society is comparison. SO many issues stem from this and always, well nearly always leave everyone feeling worse off! I certainly can understand how relieving and releasing it must have been to get those test results. Sometimes I have thought it would take off a lot of pressure if there was something like that factoring in to my weight issues, but deep down I know my journey is different. Hard as it is, I just have to walk it, at my pace, in my way, just as you have discovered for yourself!
Hi Chantelle…you don’t know me from a bar of soap…I have read this post and all the comments over a few days and it gave me lots to mull over. I am glad you heart your body…girl…you are GORGEOUS! Have you looked at yourself lately? That man in the newsagents was an embarrassement…obviously his son was embarrassed!!! I dont know you either…apart from your photos and blog posts and your inner beauty shines out from those. Being big is part of my life too…and I see that you and I have some similarities…we both love clothes and shoes for a start! 🙂 BUT…dont let what a small minded person said bother you…instead…look at what all these people, that link into a small part of your life think of you! You are incredibly beautiful inside and out…not everyone can claim that. Nuff said…thanks for letting me ramble!
What a beautifully written post Chantelle. My heart aches that you’ve had to go through what you’ve been through. But my God, I am proud you have made it this far and that you do heart your body. I used to love mine, but I haven’t been lately. But this whole campaign has made me rethink it again. And I’m starting to. I am starting to. And it is people like you, with posts like yours, who are helping me change my mindset. And so I thank you.
I would also like to say that whenever I’ve met/seen you, I’ve seen the most beautiful, friendly, welcoming young woman and friend. You’ve always made me feel comfortable and at ease, often at times when I’ve felt anxious and out of place. I notice your pretty smile, glossy hair, glowing skin and sassy dress sense. Don’t you ever let anyone make you feel less than special. x
Thank you for this post. I’ve been a lurker for awhile now but this one
really moved me to comment. After being fat shamed at a Trader Joe’s
food store that I regularly shopped at by one of its cashiers, I was
embarrassed and felt degraded. I no longer shop there since the woman
who did it never was reprimanded for her hurtful actions. I’m working on
loving my body the way it is right now; just striving to be healthier
and fit, instead of the goal being “skinnier”. Thank you for this
positive post and the great quote from Beth. Keep up the amazing blog.
🙂
eeeeeep I did what Beth Ditto did, one day I just accepted it.. I’m 5″11 and have never been skinny… My aim is to stay active and not put weight on. Through my 3rd pregnancy medical professionals said disgusting things about my weight to me and in my notes. So I have to get back to that happy place …
I feel a blog post coming on…
http://allinthedaze.blogspot.co.nz/
No, I don’t. But I see fabulous women every day who look confident, and I wish I could be like that too, so I guess I’ll have to fake it until I make it.