Me, as a 3 year old showgirl
I have been fat every day of my life since I was born. I’m not just talking a few pounds overweight. I’m talking – I gained a pound in the hospital when I was born – fat. For real. And I’ve always been ok with being fat. I’ve never allowed the fact that my body has more fat than the average bear (or person) stop me from doing what I’ve wanted to do. I’ve traveled all around the world. I’ve performed in front of people. I’m a trial lawyer, for the love. I’m very confident in front of people and confident in myself and my abilities. I own my badassery. Fat & all. Except…I do not wear shorts.
I can’t remember the last time I wore shorts in public. Rolled up jeans – yes. Dresses with panty hose – yes. (I know. I’m old school in court.) Yoga capri pants – yes. But no shorts. I was probably 14 years old the last time I wore real shorts out in public. And that is absolutely ridiculous.
This all hit me in the dressing room on a Tuesday evening while I was trying on spring dresses for work. Dressing rooms are generally bad places. Bad lighting. Bad mirrors. You’re enclosed in a little box room with clothes that don’t fit. It’s not usually the spot where you expect to have an eye-opening experience. Or maybe it is.
I stood there looking at a pair of shorts I grabbed off the rack right before walking into the dressing room. I loved the pattern. And I always wanted to wear cute shorts. But I did not have the body for wearing shorts. So I thought I’d try them on and remind myself why fat people shouldn’t wear such things.
And there it hit me. What in the hell was this crap I was thinking? Who decided that I didn’t have the body for shorts? Yes. I have fat legs and hips. But does that mean I can’t wear shorts?
Thinking back, I think it was more about how I thought I would appear to other people than what I thought I’d look like. And that is a trap of epic proportions. Anytime you focus on what other people think instead of what you think – you are a slave to their opinions. And that is a life that I refuse to live. (See In the Danger Zone) Ultimately, no matter how confident I am in other areas of my life, I have been allowing my fat to determine my confidence, or lack thereof, in some of my choices. And that’s not ok. As long as I like it and feel good in what I’m wearing, then I’m going to wear it. And you should too!
Here’s why:
1. It’s YOUR body.
What you put on your body is your business. What you do with your body is your business. Whether you wear skirts or shorts or crop tops is your business. You are in charge of your body. Period. It doesn’t matter if you have a short body or tall body or fat body or skinny body. It’s yours. My fat legs carry me wherever I need to go. My jiggly arms reach and do whatever I need them to. There are some people who don’t have that privilege. Appreciate your body. Love your body. Honor your body. Werk your body.
2. Other people’s opinions don’t matter.
If someone doesn’t like what you wear, it’s their problem. Anyone that tries to make you feel bad about yourself is not a friend. Good people support each other and encourage each other to be confident and fabulous. If someone reacts negatively to the fact that you are wearing shorts or whatever it is that you want to wear, then the only thing that needs to be removed is that person from your head space and maybe your life. Byeeeeeeeee!
3. Make yourself happy.
You cannot please everyone. If you try, you’ll make yourself insane. The only person you have any shot of making happy is yourself. So do that. Wear what makes you happy. Wear what makes you switch (also known as walking with a purpose and a “damn I’m awesome” air). Wear what makes you smile. Life is hard enough without sweating your behind off.
Confidence is like a muscle that has to be stretched and worked out. The more you work it, the stronger it becomes. Grow your confidence. I am. Life is too short. Summer is too hot.
I’ve always wanted to wear shorts but had convinced myself that I was unworthy of doing so. I didn’t even realize my own insecurity until it hit me in the mirror of a dressing room. I was wrong.
I’m rocking my shorts this summer. How about you?
Feel free to share the love!
Interesting post.
Ah!!! Preach! You look incredible in those shorts girl! I loved everything about this post!!! ❤️🙌🏻
Thanks so much Liz! Glad you stopped by! 🙂
To be honest I’ve never understood why other “fat” people don’t wear shorts. I have been overweight for a very long time and IT GETS HOT. I cannot stand being too warm, it turns me into a total dick. Ok more of one. I know that I’m in the minority on the whole shorts thing though.
You don’t need my approval to wear what makes you happy but either way you look damn cute.
I’m with you, Kal! It totally gets hot! Thank you!
You look GREAT in those shorts! Rock it, girl!
Thanks Jessica! 🙂
I think you look great in shorts! Thanks for writing about it.
Absolutely! Gotta keep it real! Thanks for your kind words!
You’re absolutely right that other people’s opinions don’t matter at all! You rock on your beautiful shorts!
Thanks Clarisse!
LOVE your shorts and you’re rocking them! Where’d you get them?
I found them at Belk, Krista. They are crown & ivy. Super comfortable. Thanks for stopping by!
Girl YES to all of this. I struggle with reminding myself everyday ” others opinions of me are none of my business”. As long as you’re happy and feel good, that’s all that matters! 💕
Amen, Shelby! That is the absolute truth! 🙂
Love. To the max.
I love those shorts.
And, you.
Rock them, sister.
Thank you darling Leigh! xoxo!
You look adorb in those shorts! You know, as I get older and put on more weight, I wonder more about what people will think when I wear shorts, but I must not care too much because I’m rocking some shorts right now. Haha! This really was a great post 🙂
Go ahead, Darci! Keep working it! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Great read!
Thank you!
I absolutely love this post! You go girl! As long as you feel good in your skin and practice healthy habits that’s all that matters. And those shorts look so cute on you. And you’re right, dressing room lighting absolutely sucks!!! Keep being you xo
Yes ma’am! Will do! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Yas! This is such an important post. Who cares what other people think?! It’s your both and you rock it how you want to. Not enough people get that. So thanks for using your platform to remind everyone to wear what they want and everyone else can STFU.
xoxo,
Dannie
http://www.stilefotocibo.com
Thanks, Dannie! Our bodies are incredible – big, small, whatever. I’m happy to encourage others to love themselves and their bodies just as they are! Thanks for stopping by! <3
Rock them girl!! I wish I had your confidence! But your right, it literally is how other people will percieve us, and not how we feel!! Keep killing it and someday I may join you!!!
Sian http://buff.ly/21RTgBh
Sian – You don’t owe anything to anyone else when it pertains to you and your body. You are perfectly and wonderfully made! <3, S
I love those shorts! You are right, great pattern! Great post!
Thanks Ronda!
I agree x1000!!! Beautiful!
Thanks darlin! 🙂
My thoughts exactly – why shouldn’t you wear shorts! They are damp cute shorts as well! Fantastic post.
Good for you – I’m a very “large” woman and I wear shorts… and even… bathing suits in the summer – I live in Florida so it is a must! Be good to yourself – you are learning to love yourself! Good for you!
I have the opposite problem I have always been underweight. I did not wear my first pair of shorts until I was 19 and I still will not wear a bathing suit. Good for you for taking the leap I was so happy when I did, I now love shorts.
This post gives me all the feels! You do you girl, forget everyone else!
Those shorts are absolutely adorable and you rock them.
I am also a member of the does-not-wear-shorts club, but it’s not so much an issue with my body (I’m an acceptable level of tiny for a mid-20s blonde gay boy) as it is weirdly uncomfortable. I feel super exposed and weird when my legs are bare.
Except that I moved to the middle of the desert, where it’s going to start being 90+ degrees all day every day within a month or two, so I’m going to have to rethink this.
Fantasrtic post
You look so pretty! Xx this has really helped me boost my confidence levels, thank you! !
I think you look super cute in those shorts! And they are a gorgeous pattern too! I have to admit I am not a huge fan of shorts, I have yet to find a pair that suits me, and I am addicted to my jeans, but I would totally wear these!
I love your attitude, your confidence *and* your shorts! Awesome post!
Love this! You rock those shorts!!
I LOVE your confidence! Also, you totally rock those shorts.
I love this soooo much! I also feel super intimidated by shorts, but you’ve inspired me to wear them anyway!
Love this post and you in those shorts!!
The shorts look great on you. I think you should wear whatever you want as long as you feel happy and comfortable.
When I went to Florida, I packed shorts because of the weather. I usually only wear skirts and dresses. Wearing them made me so self conscious that I went and bought a load of dresses for the rest of the holiday! I should have known better. I’m just not good with shorts or jeans, even if I’m at a low weight.
I think it’s just down to what you are comfortable with and not to give a damn what anyone else or society tells you or expects of you.
Keep rocking the shorts.
Corinne x
Great post and idea to relate confidence and choices back to shorts. Love the confidence is a muscle that has to be worked – that is one of my “weaker” muscles. This post is so beneficial for people struggling with other’s opinion so great for putting it out there. Can’t wait to read what you are writing and doing in those shorts this summer!!
I think as long as you are comfortable in what you’re wearing then you should wear whatever you want to. I would never allow someone to tell me what to wear. You look great 🙂
You should be able to wear what you want. I personally don’t like shorts on me, I prefer dresses so I never wear shorts but if I found a pair I liked I would.
You’re still a showgirl, Sarah!
It’s not only shape but age that this relates to!! My mom constantly criticizes herself that she has these “veins’ on her legs—-and I keep reminding her that her legs are fabulous! Great reminder to us all!!
I’m assuming you bought those shorts—they’re fabulous! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
i was really inspirated by your blog. I also struggle with my body.. i think my upper legs are too big that my legs are too white.. but by readying this i feel better and i will wear that short with my white legs. Thank you Sarah, you look very good in that short
Thank you so much, Nathalie. I’m so glad you commented! Wear your shorts and feel fabulous! You deserve it! 💕💕💕
You look amazing! I, too, hate wearing shorts!
Absolutely agree, I wish more women were able to display the same confidence. And you look fabulous in those shorts. Love the print!
You go girl, you tell ’em! Anyone can wear shorts & it’s your right to do what you want. Thanks for writing this! xx adaatude.com
Girl you should always feel free to wear what makes you feel good. Who cares what others think. Those shorts look great on you 😉
I have the same shape. I wear shorts – down to my knees like you and most other ladies.
I love them. and several skirts that are the same.
if we are all lucky – we will all get very very wrinklie one day. 🙂 so yeah… rock those shorts girly!!
thanks for the smile.
@spreadingJOY
marie
So truth. Love how you list all the reasons why it’s so important to do what’s best for you. Love it.
Wear those shorts proudly and with confidence.
confidence is a muscle that has to be stretched to work…wow. Love that and you are rocking them!
What a great post to inspire others to find their confidence. You look great!
I SO….SOOO needed this post today. THANK you for saying it! I’ve been having such a hard time lately with body image, especially with summer coming. THANK YOU!
This is so true! I hate how much I judge myself. Love it, yes to wearing shorts all summer long!
Yes!! You go ahead and set the record straight! I love your candor and confidence, it’s inspirational.
You look good in those shorts! Rock em, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
Well, this is a good read, especially that it inspires people to love their body more whatever size and shape they have. It also helped me to increase my self-esteem on wearing short despite having a large constitution.
Thanks for reading!
Hugs, hugs, and more hugs and then some tears! You have made my day and I hope to one day have the confidence that you have. Own those shorts because they look fantastic on you! I also love that pattern!
Thank you so much, Amanda! I’ve learned you’ve got to use your confidence to make it grow. Give yours a stretch! I want to hear about it! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I think those shorts look great on you! I honestly can’t remember the last time I wore shorts either. Maybe I’ll pull out a pair this summer and see how it feels.
Love this! I’m a huge fan of Meghan Tonjes and she talks about stuff like this on Youtube on Instagram all the time.
Happiness is the key.. and if you are happy then everyone else can just go to hell
I think you look amazing! Happiness and confidence is the key. Whoever doesn’t like it can look the other way and you probably aren’t missing out on them away.
I love this! I avoid shorts a lot too because of self esteem issues. But I think body positivity and self-love is so important. Thank you for this post!
What you said has given me the confidence to wear my first pair of shorts since elementary school.. thank you for sharing your confidence and inspiring me to do that same!