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While I wasn’t disqualified by a referee for my school-issued uniform revealing too much bare body, I was taunted by my opponent for my uniform being too small and tight. I know how uncomfortable and self-conscious I felt, so I can only imagine how this young, innocent swimmer suffered when her hard-earned win was stripped from her because of her appearance. Before you shame anyone, please think about this: I was recovering from the most paralyzing eating disorder at the time my opponent had the audacity to make fun of how tight my uniform fit. My school didn’t have the luxury to purchase new uniformsRead More →

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While I have the utmost respect when someone creates their own stardom and successes, I can’t help but cringe when it can so negatively impact thousands and thousands of people.  1.1 million followers are lured to Arielle Charnas’s Instagram account. There is no question that her style blog, Something Navy, offers helpful information, direction, and advice when it comes to clothing and fashion. But, in a time where young girls are struggling emotionally and physically by constantly comparing themselves to others on social media, Charnas does no favors. In our world of social media, we validate our worth based on how many people follow us,Read More →

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Major networks and news stations have erupted once again with headlines featuring Serena Williams. Lately it seems that Williams isn’t being recognized and distinguished for her impressive list of accomplishments from a remarkable tennis career. Instead the focus has been on something that has and will continue to dominate and crush the minds of those who do not fit the mold of the ideal body type that society perceives as beautiful, attractive, and feminine—her physique. Serena Williams is strong, powerful and fierce. She is muscular, incredibly athletic, and passionate. She has demanded respect on the tennis court by her impressive accomplishments, and has established herselfRead More →

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Growing up, I was always told to never ask a woman if she is pregnant. And, to drill it even more in my head, it was emphasized that even if I am 99.9% sure she is expecting, I still should not ask. I am now a mother of three children. Therefore, here are a few reasons why (and I will leave out the fact that I have publicized my struggles with body, diet, and exercise, and my past eating disorder). I have held on tight to a ride that was wilder than any roller coaster that exists. I had felt a “sinking feeling” in the pitRead More →

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On the first warm day of third grade, everyone wore shorts. All the girls in my class were excited to show off their new summer outfits, denim shorts and colored tank tops.  Dark complected, with dark features, I was aware that I had an unusual amount of body hair. My arms and legs were clearly hairier than everyone else’s–boys and girls. Scared that I would be made fun of at school, I opted to wear pants and long sleeves until the heat was no longer bearable.  The bell rang, and it was time for recess. My first day wearing shorts for the season, I wanderedRead More →

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Dear Lady Gaga, Not only am I writing you to apologize, but I am thanking you from the bottom of my heart.  I was one of them. I was one of 113.7 million viewers tuning in to Fox’s fifth-most-watched TV event in history. I was one who watched your captivating and spectacular performance. I was one of them who studied your body as you were showcasing a talent and mastery of a singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. I was one who not only thought it, but wrote it. I actually texted a friend back and forth about how surprising it was that you weren’tRead More →

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My sport was soccer: where we got physical and dirty; wore over-sized uniform shirts and shorts; and wore shin-guards, covered to our knees with sock. Besides emphasizing needing strength and power in our bodies, nothing was ever discussed as far as body weight or shape–at least in my experiences. In fact, it was a style in my day to wear larger clothes to compete in. I used to stare at other athletes in various sports who needed to wear and compete in either a leotard, spandex, or even a swimsuit, and wondered how they felt comfortable competing in front of such a large crowd withRead More →