The Joy of Fatness

I want to explore the joy of embracing our bodies, regardless of their size. In that vein, I have to share a bit of my perspective. I do not spend my days thinking about how to get out of the body I was born into and that I have managed for these decades. I do not hate being fat.

In a world that often glorifies thinness, I have discovered my own profound truth: my own happiness is not reserved until I fit into a specific body type. As I have grown more comfortable in my own skin, I’ve realized that being fat does not define me. It is merely one aspect of my wonderfully complex and wholly simple existence.

Choosing to appreciate my body

Over the years, I’ve educated myself about the science behind my body. Fat is not my enemy. It’s a regulator. It's a protector. It's an insulator. It contributes to my overall well-being. My stomach, or tummy, has become a haven for my fat. It’s my body’s way of safeguarding vital organs. Yes, it is very big. However, why can I not appreciate that my stomach is doing it's job well.¹

There are dangers to being morbidly obese. I am very well aware of what they are. This is no reason for self-hate for me or for anyone. Why must I hate a part of my body? What is the point of asking me to actively dislike the place that is most intimately my home? I suppose self-hatred is thought of as a motivator of some sort. Not for me.

When I stopped hating my stomach, my self-love took a big turn. I am not ill-informed or ignorant of facts. It is just that my healthcare provider and I are the only ones who need to discuss this issue.

Celebrating movement

I’ve ditched the notion that movement is solely about calorie expenditure and weight loss. This was an idea that was drummed into my head starting at childhood. Phys ed was a separate class from music. Phys Ed was about dodge ball and running races. It was never a celebration of movement. It was about competition and winning. The things that are external motivators as opposed to internal appreciation. I have had to break out of that mindset. Some of that has been due to my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, but I have had to learn it nonetheless.

Rather than buying into the old ideas about movement, I instead seek activities where my body can be in full use and glorious. Whether through meditation, swimming, or dance, I’ve spent time exploring my body’s capacities. It is not true that fat people are not able to move or that we do not enjoy moving our bodies. Activity is not just a 2D picture; it’s a vibrant canvas of experiences.

Prioritizing rest

Part of movement and activity is rest. There is not one without the other. Physical rest is essential to loving and caring for our bodies. I have finally learned to listen to my body’s cues and prioritize rest when needed. I stopped pushing myself way past my limits. It is okay for me to push a bit, but within reason. As I rest, I appreciate my body's ability to move, to feel, and to be still. Each moment is a celebration of life just as is every rest.

Distancing myself from negativity

As the final part of the love of my fatness is societal expectations. I found that I had distance myself from societal expectations, judgments, and negativity. It was a must if I was going to be able to embrace my body and the fat that comes with it.

My worth isn’t tied to a number on a scale or the size on a tag. I try my best to embrace authenticity. My happiness isn’t contingent on fitting into narrow standards of any kind.

Being fat isn't a limitation

All of this together is the journey I took to my personal joy of living fat. Being fat isn’t a limitation; it’s an invitation to live fully. My fat tells a story of resilience, self-love, and acceptance.

So, here’s to celebrating every inch of my beautiful, imperfect body. It is the vessel that carries my spirit through this remarkable thing called life. Remember, happiness transcends size. Let us revel in our uniqueness and celebrate the vibrancy of our bodies.