The lovely Go-Go's said it best when they sang the words:
Wishing there was less of you?
Are you really sure
How much less is more
Girls are shapely by design
Exactly what you've got
Is so easy to adore
Clothes hanger lollipop
Magazine photo op
But I'd rather be a pin-up girl
Than a zero size
Throw me a curve
Not a straight narrow line
Throw me a curve and I'll show you mine
Get the message it's divine
Throw me a curve
It looks so fine
Microthin is way too in
I'm not so sure
I'd rather just be me
Seems everybody in the world
Thinks that x-ray girls
Are the only way to be
We all have 'fat' days or days where we wished some part was smaller, firmer, perkier, or whatever-er. Unfortunately for some people, those normal thoughts grow into obsessions that last for their lifetimes. Last night I watched a show that discussed eating disorders and obsessive behaviors that people develop as a result of being unsatisfied with their appearance. There was a girl who had suffered two heart attacks and was blind in one eye due to bulimia--and she was only seventeen. In another profile, a man was so unhappy with his nose that one day smashed his face with a hammer. There was also a story about a man who was so obsessed with his abs that he couldn't look at them--as they were not perfect. He was just recently able--after years of therapy--able to touch his stomach without becoming physically ill.
It was beyond inspiring to listen to their stories and to see how they are surviving with such illnesses despite such overwhelming internal conflicts juxtaposed to the equally overwhelming societal body image expectations.
There are so few what-we-consider-to-be supermodels among us. But there are so many interesting lined faces, soft curves, multi-colored eyes, and asymmetrical shapes.
Shapes to get to know, eyes to fall into, laughs to embrace you, hearts to be healthy with and minds to rumble with.
Despite the wisdom of the thieves, bare your heart for all to see. Refuse to let your 'imperfections' define you.
<3
P.S. if you want to listen to the fabulous song by The Go-Go's quoted above, you can by clicking here. (just select Throw Me a Curve from the player on the page). 
