I start my day by hitting the gym for an intense workout session; I do strict diets hoping to shed some weight. I swear I do not do this because my body doesn’t impress me, but because it doesn’t impress the society. Every day is a struggle – a neighbor, a relative and sometimes even a friend reminds me that I’ve gained a lot of weight, forcing me to fight with my body.

Do I enjoy it? Of course not and I’m sure anybody who is exercising or dieting under pressure isn’t enjoying any bit of it.

I’ve been through a lot, I’ve heard people say mean stuff about me and stare at me, but nothing bothers me now! I’m happy to be the ‘fat woman’ that I am, and if you’re just as fat like me, you should be happy too. Stop blaming others for how you feel. Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said? She said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” So sorry to burst the bubble girls but it’s not the others who mocked you, it was you who degraded yourself and gave them the liberty shame you.

I understand and agree that a ‘thin and lean body’ with the ‘perfect abs’ has become the new ‘vogue’, but this does not mean that you have to fit into the norms set by the society. Let people call you fat, curvy, fuller, plus size, obese, chubby or with any other similar word that suits their taste. It is okay to exercise if you want to but don’t starve yourself to death because someone else told you. Give yourself treats that you love; it’s okay to munch a cheese burst pizza along with some fries, and chocolate if you want, or you can just enjoy some juice if that pleases you. Remember the life that you’re leading is your own and no one has the right to judge you on the basis of your size, the clothes that you wear or the food that you eat. Relax!

As for me, I learned things the long way – it took me several years to accept my ‘fat body’ and to understand that there is no definition of a perfect body. Whether I’m fat or lean people will always find their reasons to call me names.

The kind of negativity revolving around plus size doesn’t irritate me. I’m a believer of self-love, my size doesn’t bother me any longer. To the people who’re over sympathetic for me, I’d like to say, “I don’t care. Stop wasting your time here!”

Believe me when I say you’re going to feel extremely confident and comfortable if you learn to wear your curves proudly. Remember you’re a healthy beautiful woman and nobody can take that away from you.