“I’m painfully aware of the fact that I have apologized for my body for over two decades. Verbally—excusing myself for taking up so much space. Making jokes about what I was eating. Turning down compliments because I didn’t feel deserving.
And physically—wearing black, long-sleeved shirts in the Arizona summer. Shying away from anything loud, flashy, or sparkly. Basically doing anything I could to minimize the presence of my body.
What a way to live, huh?
And sadly, I think we can all relate on some level. I look back on those years of my life now and shake my head. It’s as if I thought I was keeping the fact that I was fat a secret by attempting to disguise it. As if those who saw me in black would then see me in bright colors and gasp, “HOLY SHIT! UNTIL NOW, I HAD NO IDEA SHE WAS FAT!” Illogical.
Our bodies cannot truly be hidden, no matter how many black outfits we wear. No matter how many pairs of Spanx we own. No matter how much we suck it in.
Doesn’t it seem like a better use of our time to just accept the fact that our bodies are our bodies and live our lives like there is no tomorrow? I’m pretty sure the answer is yes.”
Summer Stock Photos for Size-Diverse, Body Positive & Health at Every Size® Marketing
Here are 10 more beautiful photos from the Summer collection at Body Liberation Stock, the world’s first and best site for high-resolution stock images of large bodies for commercial use. Use these images on your website, social media, flyers, brochures, and other marketing materials to represent more of your customers, clients, and prospects. You’ll also be helping to change the world by increasing the representation of large-bodied and fat folks.
These stock photos are often used by:
Health at Every Size healthcare providers, authors, therapists, nutritionists, and dietitians
Body image, intuitive eating, and life coaches
HAES eating disorder treatment professionals
Inclusive and fat-friendly fitness pros and personal trainers
Plus-size fashion designers, retailers and eCommerce
Shelbey Osborne is a 200-hour Yoga Teacher. She is passionate about yoga and astrology and uses these teachings to help individuals connect deeper to their own intuition. She is an advocate for body acceptance and applying a self-compassionate approach to all areas of our lives.