I grew up with people bullying me. About how I think, about how I looked, about how I walked, about how I dressed.
Back in school, I was never in the popular crowd. I was never greeted in the corridors, I was never second-looked at and gushed at. I lived my school life being me. Tomboyish, pimplish and shy.
Little by little, in highschool, it changed. I’m not in the popular crowd but a few said hi. That was because I decided to open myself up to organizations but I still remained tomboyish, semi-pimplish and semi-shy.
College was a bit of a shock though. I had no idea that being a part of the events team, an inter-school organization which I am just a member, a marketing manager of the school literary publication can make the difference. Yeah.. I was still me though… less tomboyish, no pimples and less shy.
Part of my low self-esteem was because of my body. I wasn’t thin. I had non-existent abs and no flat tummy. Since I was tomboyish, I dressed unimpressively. I didn’t care about skirts. I slouched. I didn’t walk like an Assumptionista (I am one though. Proud one.)
So, I’m not surprised why guys back then laughed at me and whispered, “parang lalake!” (like a guy!) I didn’t mind them though but at the back of my mind, I knew I was already dealing with something that hurt me.
For years, I struggled to accept my body. There were people around me making comments about me, that I am fat or chubby or whatever they like to call me. So, I struggled. Every time I try to diet, there will always be someone who would sarcastically comment on it. Every time I run and they learn about it, there will always be someone…again…making comments and laughing.
But then, how can I forget the people who in some way lifted me up. That I was perfect for who I was. These were the people who saw me beyond my weight, my skin and how I look. My friends, my family, and my dad’s furballs. 😆
Because of them, I started to love who I am. I started to love my body. I continued eating the right amount of food, I continued running, I signed up for boxing, for circuit training, all of which I did not because I wanted to have a thigh gap or I wanted to have abs. I did it just so I can have a healthy and strong body.
#TheBodyLoveRevolution taught me that beyond your imperfect skin, your weight, your body structure, there is someone who is imperfectly perfect yet capable of sharing their light and good vibes to others.
Sharing with you a video from She Talks Asia, these wonderful people share with us what they love about themselves.
