I'm going to fall back into one of the most important and life changing times in my own life. Throughout my childhood I had struggled greatly with my weight. I was overweight the majority of my life. I was constantly teased and tormented. As someone who was bullied almost every day, I can openly state the effect it has on a child.
When I reached high school, I continued to be the target of other's attacks. From my perspective there's nothing really I could do. My parents were strong advocates for me, standing by my side anytime I needed help. They were there at the school fighting for me.
It was not until my senior year of high school that I realized I had the control over the way I felt about myself. I couldn't change what other's thought, but I could change the way I felt about myself. I started to make changes slowly.
I began to run on the paths through the cornfields in Italy near my house. No one could see me and I could huff and puff to my hearts content. This beginning was the first step to changing myself for the better. Over time, I started going to the gym and incorporating weights and other activities. My body began to rapidly change.
By the end of my senior year, I had lost 65 pounds. My entire mentality had changed and I feel as though my outlook on many different things changed. I feel as though the years of bullying took their toll on me but I ultimately used them toward positive changes.
Now I am a mother, and I hope that I can pass these values onto my son, who is still very young. I want to sheild my son any way that I can. I will protect him to the utmost extent. I hope he doesn't have to deal with the same issues that I had. Now that I am getting older and my metabolism is seeming to slow down, I have to constantly make changes to keep myself fit and healthy.
It is so sad how kids bully other kids because of the way they look. That is great you found a way to make it a positive sitution for you. Not all kids have that motivation and support from family. That is one thing I try to make my kids understand, you can't judge someone based on their looks or what other people think of them. I always tell them, if you wouldn't want someone doing it or saying it to you, then don't say it to someone else.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same about bullying, but your story is inspiring because you decided to take responsibility for the way you feel and overcome your weight issues. I like the part where you describe running through the cornfields in Italy so no one could see you. It must have been a beautiful scene and so nice to be doing something for yourself. I too am a mother and worry about my children and the eating habits they learn as a child. I want them to eat well, but I am constantly battling the junk food they see other kids eat at school and grandparents that only seem to stock the house with ice cream and cookies. Thank you for your inspiring story!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing story.It was very inspiring and I agree with Ms. Leigh that those trails must have been beautiful to run in. I love that you had a happy ending and that you are healthy and love yourself now. That is the best way to feel is that you love yourself.
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