Bridalplasty. If you've heard of it, you have something to say about it. If you haven't, let me give you a quick overview: Brides in a reality show competition fighting for various surgical procedures in order to look 'hot' for their wedding day. See? Now you have something to say, don't you? But why? Why do you (or anyone) have such strong opinions about what adults do to their own bodies?
I've had plastic surgery. And I am incredibly grateful I did! And to be quite honest, I would do it again. In fact I know a particular procedure I plan to have in the future. Does this change your opinion of me?
Weight, body image, fashion...all of these affect how we view ourselves as well as how others view us! And many others will use this information as an excuse or a crutch. How many times ave you heard (or said yourself) "It shouldn't matter what other people's standards are; this is my body, and I like curves" or something of the like...but what that statement really meant was "I'm overweight and I want you to be okay with that so you don't judge me". Harsh? Maybe it is, but the truth is, being overweight is NOT about how a person looks or how attractive they are; it is about health, and there are MEDICAL standards that relate to health that DO matter. Obesity is costing the American taxpayer $350 BILLION per year. Let me say that again. Obesity costs the American taxpayer $350 BILLION every year. This goes far beyond complacency and acceptance. You can love the person and not their actions! But what else can we do?
You know that saying, if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem? I think that applies here! What are YOU doing to help solve the obesity epidemic in the U.S.? Maybe you are working out and eating right in order to loose weight. Way to go! That's part of the solution! Perhaps you are working out and eating right in order to maintain your weight. Way to go! That too is part of the solution! By taking action you are not only changing your life, but you are affecting the lives of those around you, whether you intend to or not, by acting as an example. Your children, your family, your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors....all of the people you come in to contact with each and every day are seeing what you are doing, and whether you know it or not, you are inspiring SOMEONE to take their health into their own hands!
Now, think about all the weight you have lost or will loose. Will your body 'look' the way you want it to, or will there be excess skin, stretch marks, etc., that will act as painful reminders, or even as roadblocks because even after loosing all the weight, your body doesn't 'look' the way you had hoped! So who are we to judge those that choose to surgically alter their bodies? It's definitely a case of walking a mile in someone else's shoes.
I challenge you to think about your day to day life. Are you taking action to improve your health, or are your actions, your CHOICES, contributing to the $350 billion bill the U.S. tallies each year? Rather than judging those who are utilizing their own skills and finances to have elective plastic surgery, we should be more concerned about our own personal choices. Start with small choices in your physical activity or eating habits. Maybe Bridalplasty isn't your thing...too extreme...but healthy eating and exercise? THAT is for everyone! And if you need help getting started, staying accountable or breaking through a rut, let me know! I commit to work with the willing and to end the epidemic of obesity in America!
Much love, Rockstars! Until next time,
Keep rockin'!
I LOVE it! Okay, so where to begin? First, I almost choked laughing at this line:
ReplyDeleteHow many times have you heard (or said yourself) "It shouldn't matter what other people's standards are; this is my body, and I like curves" or something of the like...but what that statement really meant was "I'm overweight and I want you to be okay with that so you don't judge me".
Ain't it the truth?
And to address the very relevant issue of whether chosing plastic surgery alters my opinion of you (or anyone) Heck NO! People who wave the "natural" banner are, in my very humble opinion, not being fair -- or honest. You want "natural" go without deodorant or preservatives in your food. Trust me, you don't want to see me go natural and I REALLY am okay with a little mystery between myself & the general public!!! I've had many friends elect for plastic surgery and they are the same people they've always been. And yes, some were a little superficial before and they remain so today -- does that make them wrong?
It just so happens that plastic surgery probably wouldn't do much for me -- unless there's a stretchmark transplant and boob inflater I haven't read about -- but if there was, I'd be on it faster than you can say out-patient procedure.
The second portion of your thoughts remind me of that big campaign that came out about 10 years ago when smoking was still such a problem nation-wide. There was a push to acknowledge the unhealthiness of smoking WHILE STILL loving the person who was making an unhealthy choice. It's not either or people: unhealthy is a quantifiable concept, not something that's up for debate. If your BMI is over 31 you are OBESE, so deal with it rather than arguing the point. You can be a good person who is making an unhealthy choice. Conversely, you can make healthy choices and be a real witch.
When it comes time for you to reclaim responsibility -- because that is truly what getting healthy requires -- I say go for whatever makes you feel good about the work you've done whether that involves a scalpel or not!
Oh Kimberlyn, how do I love thee? Let me count thy ways! lol... Thank you, my dear friend. :)
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