My weight does not define me!

I hate stereotypes. I really do. I was catching up on my DVR today and watching So You Think You Can Dance and a larger 18 yr old girl got up and danced beautifully. She was not your typical tiny dancer. Mia Micheals was moved to tears because she's also a larger woman who has struggled with weight. She said she got no jobs due to her weight. Are you kidding me?! Mia Micheals couldn't get a job cause she was fat. I hope one day there will be a change in our world, especially because sadly obesity is becoming the norm.

Is it healthy to be overweight? Definitely not. I wouldn't be trying to lose weight if it was. But that doesn't mean people don't try.  It's not easy to lose weight. It took 28 yrs to weigh 275 lbs. It's not going to come off tomorrow. I have had my ups and downs and lost weight, gained it back and then some, lost it again and gained it back and even more. I know that this will be something I have to do the rest of my life to not only LOSE the weight but to keep it off. I will always be working out and watching what I eat. Am I thrilled? No. I wish I could eat whatever I want, whenever I want and not gain a pound. Unfortunately, that's not my reality. But I hate that I (along with many others) are defined by what they look like. Oh she's the fat girl. I want to be Shannon, not the fat chick. And who's to say I can't be amazing? Fat does not make you a lesser person, less talented or less smart. I am no dancer. I love it but I am so not coordinated enough LOL But who's to say I couldn't try. That's all you have to do is try.

Speaking of trying. I just officially registered for my first 5k today. I'm running (or some form of it lol) with a friend from high school. We ironically met in gym class where we had a teacher that LOVED to make you run. We both hated it! Yet 15 yrs later we're doing a 5k. I'm scared, excited and determined to do it. I have 3ish weeks to get ready... I guess I better get my butt in gear LOL I know I won't be first, I don't expect to be, but I am going to try and I will finish it.

Anywho, I really hope that people can move forward some day (soon would be nice) and accept people for who they are and what the bring to the table and not what they look like.