You Are Beautiful!
Working in the Gibsons store lately has re-opened my eyes to the challenges faced by so many
women (including myself many days) in loving our bodies - unconditionally.
We've been in business 10 years this year and have had hundreds of conversations with women
about 'celebrating your curves', walking tall, focusing on the best parts of yourself.
BUT I've been feeling lately that women need more support, more reminders, more challenges
to stop wasting time looking and focusing on the negative.
Our bodies carry us through this world - they create and nurture babies, work at important and
life-changing jobs, hold hands with friends and lovers, dance, play, strut.
Let's acknowlege and love the differences (lumps, bumps and curves) of our bodies.
They tell our stories. They are roadmaps to how we got here and who we are today.
I've wasted years of my life waiting to be the perfect size before I would take a risk at looking
stupid or fat in an activity. (there was that perfect moonlit night on a glassy lake when I
wouldn't get into the double kayak with my boyfriend because I thought I was too fat.
I wasn't! In fact I'm much bigger now and have been kayaking many times and have never got
my butt stuck. I missed out on a magical opportunity while watching my boyfriend paddle off
into the moonlight!)
NOT doing those activities/living life/trying new things only led me to feel stupid and fat.
(Oh, and the other thing that is interesting is that you can be ANY size and still hate your body!
This isn't an exclusive club - anybody can join.)
It's not easy when society/media still regularly sends out messages that thin with boobs is the
only normal but there are things you can do to challenge that.
Help yourself feel good by wearing a colour that makes you sing or a fabric
(have you tried bamboo?) that feels like butter on your skin. Get fitted and wear the right size
bra. Stand up tall and look people in the eye! Own your space. Swish those hips!
Speak clearly and demand to be heard!
And here's one more thing you can do...
When your daughter, mom, girlfriend, bestie complains to you about their body - don't engage!!!
Instead, tell them they're beautiful. Tell them you don't see them as unlovable parts but as a
whole, strong and beautiful person. And maybe the next time you look in the mirror,
remember those words and repeat them loudly to yourself.
You are beautiful!
xoxo Lorna
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 05/20 at 08:53 AMWow! That brought a little tear to my eye. It is so great today to remember why we have tried to create this safe space for women to shop. Ten years and so much has changed and yet so much stays the same.
I hear the same negative thoughts more and more about getting older too. Women are so afraid to age in this society. Wrinkles are our road maps too!
Don’t forget how special you are!
And while your at it, why not buy something nice for yourself to wear today. Something that fits perfect right now. You deserve it!
Such a great message Lorna! thanks for posting!
Posted by Diane Kennedy on 05/20 at 04:42 PMLorna - YOU are beautiful…and I mean that from the bottom of my heart…you are magical…you are special and you are one amazing woman who has taught me and other so much about loving and letting go….
I feel truly blessed to have you in my life….
H xo
Hey Girls. Love that inspiration. I’ve spent many years feeling that way most days and not knowing how or how to deal with it. But as my beautiful daughters have grown, I knew I didn’t want to have them dealing with the same feelings. And my hubby loves no matter what size I am. he always says if I love him no matter what, why wouldn’t he love me? I’m fortunate. And you are so right about women of all sizes having issues. I never realized how much until I started working at my job. And I do feel pretty great about myself.
By the way, wore my beautiful simple black dress to Margaret’s 80th birthday party the weekend after you girls were here and it was so comfy and well received. Can’t wait til I can make it to Van couver to see your store.
see you girls again. Angie @ Fashion Foundations.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 05/22 at 07:13 AMGreat post! LOVE the picture…
Posted by Donna on 07/28 at 01:50 AMI have found so many interesting thing in your blog and I really love that. Keep up the good work!
Posted by competitions win prizes on 08/18 at 10:40 PMPeople are born to love! And that`s we must first love… ourselves!
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