I’ve been a member of Pantsuit Nation for only two weeks so far, And already it’s been the most inspiring group of people I’ve had the pleasure of sharing space with. Before the election, thousands of people posted photos of themselves in pantsuits, voting or about to go vote. Several of these were women who prefaced their post with something like “I don’t like to post photos of myself since I don’t like the way I look, but since this feels like a safe space here goes”
Below the photo will be hundreds, if not thousands, of “you’re beautiful!” comments. Which is so heartwarming. But it’s beside the point.
Our President-elect has said many many things that I personally feel disqualify him from the office. Many are truly dangerous and I do not want to minimize the very real threat to personal safety that many immigrants, Muslims. people of color, same sex couples and women are feeling right now. This is completely unacceptable. But another thing I’ve learned in these past few days is that we need each person’s individual passion and expertise out there doing what they do best. I am not able to volunteer legal advice or host neighborhood dialogue meetups but I can absolutely help women feel better about themselves.
The ultimate disqualifying remark from Trump, to me, was when he told his supporters that he stood behind Secretary Clinton at the debate and “wasn’t impressed.” Meaning the only thing that that could possibly be impressive about a woman, any woman, was the shape of her body.
And fully half of voters last Tuesday agreed with the sentiment enough that they didn’t feel it was disqualifying.
I reject this.
Women: your body is NOT you. Your weight is NOT your worth. The degree to which a man desires you sexually is NOT indicative of your value in this world.
TRULY
BUT, you do owe it to yourself to take care of your body. It is precious. It carries your brain, it articulates your thoughts, it takes you places. It deserves to be loved, nurtured and well fed. I admit that loving my body has been a jagged journey, but one worth taking. I still have to practice treating myself gently, but I don’t have to question that its worth it to do so.
I want that for all women. That they can say what they feel without first smoothing their hair or adjusting their shirt. That they know a few pounds in either direction is exactly and only that: that thinness doesn’t make them worthy and that fattness doesn’t make them worthless. That if they are about to give a lecture or a speech or stand up for themselves their thoughts are NOT on “how do I look?” Part of this is practice. And part of it is actually taking care of yourself. Not for vanity, but for health. I don’t eat fast food because it makes me feel shitty, I run because it calms my mind and makes me feel strong. My interest in fitness and nutrition began with chasing that elusive size 4 body, but it has landed squarely in “fuck that noise.” I’m NEVER going to be a size 4. Maybe you aren’t either, but it’s still worthwhile to eat well and move your body in ways that feel good to you.
I strive to project this ideology in all the work I do. I describe myself as a feminist nutritionist. I want to support your health goals and make sure you know that the only real thing that makes you impressive is your achievements.
If you want to make changes in your health, I’m offering ALL Pantsuit Nation members automated Individual Sugar Purges for $1. Use code PSN.
It’s a small step, but it’s what I can do for the uprising.