Recently I was waiting in an overcrowded airport boarding area that served three different gates and offered almost no amenities. People were sitting on the floor, one overstimulated dog was wide-eyed and wiggly, little kids were cranky—as were a few of us bigger kids. Squashed into a cramped two-chair space, with colorful bags and sacks scattered all around them, was a foursome of women having the time of their lives. Their frivolity was contagious, and hearing them laughing and kidding around with each other relieved the uncomfortable tedium of waiting. Unexpectedly, a part of their good-natured bantering gave me an important lesson.
One woman was joking about dieting when her generously proportioned friend retorted, “Honey, I finally decided, since I’m gonna be large, I might as well love large.” I don’t know if the double entendre was intended, but the Oprahesque replier seemed A-OK with herself just as she was and appeared to be a person who also loved herself and others in a large way.
When I remember, I adopt her attitude, and instead of likening my own generous body to a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, I affirm I am built to love large. It makes a difference, shifts the energy from criticism to love, and that’s huge. In a good way.
During your day...
Change critical comments about yourself to loving and affirming ones.
No matter what your physical size, know that you are made to love large.
A little bit a lovin’ makes a whole lotta difference.
