Dear Big Girl at the gym,
I see you there several times a week.
Your face is always beet red and you are huffing and puffing and clearly struggling.
You are wearing sweat pants and a big t-shirt.
I've seen you at the back of the class trying so hard to keep up with everyone.
Modifying the moves and doing the best you can.
I saw you slowly jogging on the treadmill the other day!
I smiled so big and thought to myself "that is so awesome!"
I was so happy for you!
I want to tell you a few things...
I want to tell you that I'm proud of you.
I know it takes a lot of courage to come to a gym when you feel out of place.
I know it's hard to step out of your comfort zone and try a new class.
I know that all you think you see around you is us "skinny girls."
That you think you can't relate to "us."
That you think we've never been in your shoes.
That when you see me in full makeup at the gym and my cute workout clothes that I've never been overweight.
This could not be further from the truth.
I am in full makeup because I come straight from work. I work full time.
And I come to the gym before I pick up my kids.
Yes, I have kids.
Two of them.
Did you know I used to work out in sweat pants and oversized t-shirts?
That once I lost a bunch of weight, that buying cute workout clothes actually helped motivate me to keep going?
I've been where you have been.
I've struggled like you are.
It may not seem like it. I may put on a good "show". But I've been there.
I KNOW it's hard. And I know that you probably feel like giving up at times.
I remember the feeling of my shorts riding up while I was on the treadmill.
Constantly tugging at them because my thighs rubbed together so badly that it left chaffing marks on my legs.
I remember feeling like everyone was watching me when I was "running", which was actually more of a jog with a bounce.
I just knew that everyone was staring at my fat jiggling and they were thinking "that's so gross" or "look at the fat girl run!"
I specifically remember how I hated working out so much because it was just another reminder of what I couldn't do, or how much I'd let myself go, or how hard I was going to have to work to change.
I am proud of you Big Girl.
I have wanted so badly to come up to you and give you some words of encouragement.
To tell you that I think you're awesome!
To tell you that IT DOES GET BETTER!
To not give up and to JUST KEEP GOING!
That with hard work you will achieve your goals....
I don't want to single you out, make you feel bad, or hurt your feelings in any way by telling you "I've been where you are."
I don't want to intimidate you in any way. I just want you to know I'VE BEEN THERE.
So instead I politely smile at you every time I see you.
I hope that you can look past the clothes, the makeup, and the fairly thin body, and see that I genuinely do care about you.
I hope you can look past my smile and know that I've been where you've been.
Know that YOU motivate ME, Big Girl.
And that you are capable of accomplishing ANYTHING you set your mind to.
Love,
Just A Former Big Girl
124 comments:
that just made me tear up.
Please print this and take it to her..it is beyond awesome
As I sit here in my office, I am crying because I am the big girl. I feel that way daily and it is what has made me quit the gym multiple times. Thank you for writing that.
Love from Kentucky "big girl".-Heather M
LOVE IT! Those are true heartfelt words. What a genuine heart you have.
I am sure you love your job. But maybe, just maaaaybeeee, you have a second coming as a personal trainer? I'd hire you!
You totally should approach her! I'm sure that at first she might find it weird, but you may not know how much of an impact you could make on her!
You are inspiring Mama!
This is such a great post. I can understand why you haven't talked to her yet. You never know how she might respond. So I think this was the perfect way to share what you've been wanting to say to her.
I love it. I love how humbling this is. We have ALL been there or are there. I am there now. The chaffing of the leggs, yep that is me. But I keep going. The women in your gym are LUCKY to have you there. You are a great inspiration. THANK YOU!!
Such a great post! I am over weight and struggle just to exercise due to being overweight and other health issues!
Love this!! It hit me when at Jazzercise one day, one of the "big girls" said she got frustrated a lot because us "skinnie minnies" up front made it hard to come to class, so I started working out in the back with them. Helping them modify moves if needed, etc. I am by no means a skinnie minnie, I am just average but that comment hit me hard....so I am just trying to do what I can to not make it intimmidating for anyone to workout.
Going to talk to her, doesnt mean you have to approach her as big girl. Go make convo.. you being a former bigger girl WILL come up. Just go talk to her!
I love this post! I wish so badly that you could just walk up to her and tell her all of these things. If not to give her a boost that very second, to give her something to work towards. For her to see you and Meg and know that it can be done. To get the realistic advice that it will take longer than a few months. To know that it took Meg 2 years and you 1 year. I think that is the hardest part for people just starting out. They need to know it takes time and dedication.
Have a great day!
From a current big girl this is awesome & even further proof as to why you are awesome!
I would totally print this and figure out what car she drives to leave on her windshield...I would ball my eyes out and be utterly amazed if someone wrote such a note for me.
Being the skinny girl in-training that I am, meaning I'm still a big girl, this brought me to tears. I hated going to the gym when I did cause I felt that people judged me and it actually put me off working out. I do all of my training at home now, besides when I run at the track. I wish there was some way for you to let that girl know how you feel. I truly think if she knew that it would motivate her even more. Give her that push of confidence that we all need sometimes. Either way, this gave that to me. I found your blog. You pouring your heart out about your journey pushed me to become a runner, to start doing workout videos, to push myself that much further. I've lost about 10lbs in the past month. All due to eating better and working out daily. You let me know that it was ok to get my fat ass out on that track and run, no matter how much jiggle I have. I'm getting there. And to the big girl at the gym- keep going. It does get easier and eventually it becomes fun b/c you enjoy bettering yourself.
I love this. I'm with the others, print this out and either give it to her or leave it in her locker-sure you may seem a bit creepy lurking in the locker room to see which locker is hers, but I think she will find it motivational. It may be that extra nudge that will keep her coming to the gym and trying other classes/activities! A friendship may be in the works!
Thank you! This has just motivated me to keep going, you are so inspiring <3
Thank you Mama! That made me cry. I'm struggling right now and this is the motivation that I need. I'm going to print this and read it when I need a reminder that I can do this!
I know this letter is intended for someone else but this letter spoke to me on so many levels! I'm that big girl. And your words are encouraging. So much so, that I'm sitting here crying my eyes out yet I feel this strong urge to lace up and run harder and faster than I think my legs will allow! I love that you are so genuine in you feelings and I truly believe you should talk to this girl because she will see you as such an inspiration like all your followers do! Thank you for this! It made my day!
Wow! Just finished my workout in my sweatpants and baggy t-shirt. Your words are powerful and a gift. Share them with her an don't forget before and after pics!
Looking forward to getting cute workout gear soon!
So awesome. You should totally give this to her. I'm a spin instructor and can see the joy when I tell someone fairly new to fitness that they are doing a great job. It's a great motivator. She rocks, you rock, GREAT letter!
I love this so much.
I cried while reading it. I've been there, too.
Such a warm and loving post. I think you SHOULD approach her. I can see where it might feel strange or the fear that she might be offended...but she might not be. What if she is thinking about giving up and you could be the one to help lift her spirits? To give her direction, inspiration, etc...I say go for it. I would LOVE to have someone tell me 'good job' or 'I've seen you here often and you have been KILLING it!'...keep us posted :)
I was the "big girl" last night on my treadmill - wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of my husbands old basketball shorts (long enough so they weren't riding up making my legs rub together)... I just want to let you know that you are such an inspiration to me. The other day when you posted the pic of yourself - just your face and how you never wore makeup or did your hair and then beside that the pic of you with makeup and your hair done - it gave me hope... I am that before pic - I hate putting on makeup and fixing my hair - I just kind of blend in now ... But I know if I work hard, like you did, I too can be someone that inspires others. Thank you so much for continuing to share your life with us and inspiring us daily! I think you should talk to the "big girl" - I think if you explained to her where you came from and what you have accomplished it would give her hope as well.
That is awesome! I'm not the Big Girl but I definitely feel like I don't belong in our small community gym with my husband who works out. I stick to the elliptical because I don't feel comfortable running because of my jiggling fat.
Wonder if you could just make friends with her. And then when you learn her personality, you will know when and how to tell her that you have been there!
I love that you found a way to express what you might say and share your journey....but I agree with a couple of comments from above...just go talk to her. Jump on a treadmill next to her and start a conversation. You don't have to tell her all of this at first, because it is true that she may not understand where you have come from...but keep smiling at her, start conversations, and you never know where it will lead. Maybe the inspiration you have given to us here in this space will begin and continue to grow into inspiration for someone a little closer to home. It would be a shame if she didn't ever know that the "skinny" girl that smiles at her is doing so because she was there too....it would be even more of a shame if she left the gym and you never had the chance. Keep up the good work Mama....
I read a similar post on a different blog a few weeks ago. It really hits home. I know this will sound creepy, but when my alarm goes off at 4:45AM to go do my run - er, jog/walk - your journey comes to mind and pushes me to actually get my butt out of bed and do it, instead of hitting snooze. I go so early in the morning partly because between my work schedule and being a mommy, its the only time I can go. The other reason, there is absolutely NO one on the roads or outside at such an ungodly hour to see my fat ass attempting to run and breathing so heavily at times. Thank you for sharing your journey with the world.
Brandi!
Thank you for posting... I too, am crying at my desk at work. I read your blog daily, with my only cup of coffee. Two of my favorites!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You are an inspiration more than you will EVER know... I can relate to this girl.
You are amazing Mama Laughlin!
Awesome. Tearing up over here, too. I'm that big girl. I do road runs right now and constantly feel like people are mocking me inside their houses. I love you and Megan. You both have done so much to inspire me. This letter shows just how amazing you really are. Become friends with this girl. Say hi instead of just smiling. It's great to have a workout buddy, and maybe she needs to know some names of the people she sees all the time! :)
All time favorite post.
Reading this made me tear up. This is very touching. I am currently that "Big Girl" in my gym class and on the track "running". I just want to thank you for being such an inspiration. I follow you on IG and it is so motivating. I have those friends at gym that are the skinny girls and between them and you it has encouraged me to keep going and to try new classes. So for that I have now lost 13lbs since January.
Have a blessed day,
Tiffany
This is awesome! Are you going to give it to her? Even now I don't have the guys to go into a gym and I've lost 50 of my 60lbs. It is really motivating to see girls (and guys) working their hardest!
You are amazing!!
Worded it perfectly! I have been to a gym and felt the unnerved feeling that I'm sticking out like a sore thumb! I do believe your words would mean the world to her and bring her a new form of motivation and encouragement!
So nice of you!!! I have been there!! I remember running my first mile around my neighborhood feeling very self conscious and as I turned the corner I was just about to stop when this man looked at me, smiled, and said great job! keep going! It was like someone put that man that at the exact moment in time and it made me smile and I ran harder and faster than I ever did. It is amazing what a simple gesture can do to a person. If you are still unsure of giving it to her, maybe watch what kind of car she has and leave it on her windshield? To know that someone saw me making progress would be huge for me. You are awesome Mama!
Thank you so much, and as a big girl right now, I would love to hear this. I don't know how to approach her, but this was wonderful. I started tearing up at my desk. THANK YOU!
wah. I just can't help but tear up when I read this.. awesome!!
Son of a.....way to make me tear up at work.
I am that girl right now and thank you for posting that.
YES! Print it and bring it to her! She might need this more than you know :)
You are simply amazing.
I was misty eyed by the 8th line.
I am the once skinny girl turned big girl, looking at the skinny girls with just as many kids and responsibilities as I have, and thinking, "really though? A full face of makeup?" LOL
Love it... :)
I needed this. I love that my Zumba class is a lot of booty shaking but at the same time my booty jiggles so bad! I keep trying to tell myself that no one's concerned with my booty but it's hard. It's nice to think that the skinny girls are thinking encouraging thoughts instead.
What a great post! I've read your blog for a while now and should have commented a long time ago to let you know how motivating you are. Your story is incredible and I hope you continue to do what you do. Thank you!
Powerful!
I can relate from being the big girl to now slimming up!
I think you should simply walk by her on the treadmill and tell her she's doing great! That simple...and I promise that will motivate the set out of her!!
I love this so much! As the only "Big Girl" at my gym I relate to this on so many levels! I know it's to someone else but I am sitting here crying at my desk bc it touched me so much! There are so many days I want to quit the gym and go back to my old ways bc it was easier and I had time to be lazy and be with my husband more. But I don't bc i'm not a quiter and I want to be a "skinny girl" and I am determined to lose all this weight! I have no excuse for being this way since I've never had kids....just an addiction to food! I would give anything for someone to come up to me at my gym and tell me how awesome i'm doing and to keep going and to be my support! I've lost 100+lbs and the same people I see 4-6 times a week have not even acknowleded it...kind of sucks but what can you do! I'm there for me not them so I keep going!
Thank You SO much for posting this! As the "Big Girl" I say go up to her and make conversation and tell her that you've noticed her and that she's doing awesome! Trust me! It will probably make her day to have some one like you come up to her and be nice! She probably needs it more than you know!
Your so awesome girl!!!
Just do it! Connect with her...somehow. You can be the motivation that keeps her from giving up. Awesome post. :D
This made me wanna cry. I feel like that big girl at the gym. I hate the way I look and I feel like everyone is watching me and it feels awkward. I sometimes avoid the gym because I don't like going in with other people. Thanks for this post today. xoxo
You should leave an inspirational note on the bathroom mirror. Maybe she'll see it, maybe not. But chances are, someone will see it and be lifted up because of it.
I needed this post today, I have seen you talk about this on IG before, but I needed it today, I just got back from the gym, I go at lunch because I work full time and have a long commute, I am gone from my house by 5:30am and get home around 6:30pm on days I dont have to work late, which have been happening more frequently lately...
anyway back to the point, I lost 28 lbs for my wedding last April and have gained back 20 of those hard fought pounds in less than a year... today I was at the gym in one of my old workout tanks and it was so tight on my stomache and I felt so fat it was horrible, I ran and then did some free weights and every time I did a squat or dead lift I felt my stomache bulging... I was the fat girl in a sea of fit people today and felt horrible... I needed this. Thanks!
Print this, write your blog url and phone number on it and give it to her! She will appreciate your kindness!
seriously print this out and just give it to her. or put it in her bag. something. she NEEDS to know this!!
you know you would have killed for someone to reach out to you. we are women, that's all we want to is to be accepted. to have support.
let her know!!
Your post made me tear up too. You really are changing peoples lives. I drag myself to the gym and try to make good food choices. I lost over 30 pounds in the past year and want to keep it off. You help me with your inspiring and funny as hell humor. Thank you again for all you do, for all of us.
This was the most amazing post I have read! Made me tear up a little bit. You are an amazing lady! I hope you share this with her and keep smiling at her! Bet you help keep her motivated! I need to lose some weight for health reason and Going to the gym is a fear of mine! all the stares :( There needs to be more people like you out there!
I am also new to blogger, a friend referred me to your page! Awesome blog! You look great!
http://britney502.blogspot.com/
Not sure if my comment made it - so re-posting, forgive if it hits twice: My only advice before giving it to her - take out "Hey Big Girl" - she knows she is big, don't call her out on it, that is why she is there. Otherwise, I love it. From a girl halfway to being the girl she wants to be.
Amazing! You have such a beautiful heart. :-) God bless you!
Mama I need someone like you on my team! All my friends are skinny bitches:) love em to death but come on ladies gain some weight haha. I think you should either just go up to her or leave a note on her gym bag?!
It's all said above, so I'll just say, Thank You!!
This reminds me of a post I found on another blog before I started my journey. I cry everytime I think of that post, because it makes the big girls realize that not everyone thinks you are gross or are judging you. That there are people out there cheering you on. Here is that post with the similar sentiment. It too is great and emotional to the fat girl in most of us. http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
Totally crying my eyes out! Very well written!
i love this! and i too think you should print it out! maybe to not single her out slip it in her locker or somethin? I bet she'll still know exactly who sent it to her.. this is great!
That is an awesome letter and I seriously think you need to give it to her.
However, why not just connect with her in person. Run along side her on the treadmill, strike up a conversation with her, invite her to body pump, etc. I might also ask someone at the gym, maybe another person or someone that works there what her name is, that way you can hit it home and make the letter personalized.
Whatever you choose I"m sure she'll be grateful and inspired. I especially love the fact that you said "she inspires you" Someone in your corner and is inspiring is a powerful and amazing thing.
Thank you so much for posting this! I'm currently trying to lose 90 lbs and I started following yours and Megan's blogs because I have been so inspired by the fact that you're both "former fat girls".
-Sarah @ messofme.com
Tearing up, here!
I love this post. I think it is my favorite one so far. I wanted to let you know you are the one the motivated me to start blogging and to get back on the healthy train. Thank you for sharing your life with the world because it does make a difference!
www.aschuller.blogspot.com
This post makes me love you even more! I totally think you should show her a picture of you when you were bigger! Us big girls, as you know, can use any motivation coming our way on this journey!
I totally printed this out for me to remember!
Loved the post.. I mentioned you in my post today on my blog.. Thank you for this...
http://fromchunkytofunky.blogspot.com/
I can't tell you how much I've needed this! I have been really struggling as of late. Thank you and thank you for making me cry at work :)! Now everyone is questioning my sanity...LOL. Just a suggestion, maybe an anonymous post it on the machine she uses often, or a bottle of water with a note saying it's on you.
THIS WAS SO HEART FELT AND MADE ME WANT TO CRY. I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND HOPE TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU HAVE SOME TIME THIS YEAR!
This made me tear up!
Sheree
The Hartungs Blog
thehartungs.blogspot.ca
AWESOME POST MAMA! :-)
Hi there -
I LOVE this post. And I aodre your honesty and passion and motivation. I am wondering, though, if you might consider taking the word "Big Girl" out of there? Many of us know in our hearts that we're big, in fact, that we're bigger than big, but there is a delusional illusion in our heads that no one knows but our own selves. I know one time, I managed to lose 63lbs, and I had never felt better about myself in my LIFE! Was I small? No. However, I was excited for the first time to experience a float plane. I had worked and worked and worked to get to the point where I knew I would be comfortable in the seat, and I could enjoy the view. After sitting down, the pilot discreetly handed me a seatbelt extender...I....nearly....DIED. I cried, and cried and cried.
Maybe she is big, but she might have also lost 67lbs and FINALLY got the image in her head that she's "small enough" to go to the gym and bear her body and efforts to others.
I would love it if someone who gets it and has been there encouraged me. I would love it 10000000 times more if they made me feel better than I feel inside by doing so.
Call her "Girlie" "Ladybug" "Hey Gorgeous!" Anything, I beg you, but Big Girl.
Keep being amazing! I read your blog every single day, sometimes more than once and you have inspired me on my journey. I love your candor and your braveness and your awesomeness.
Much Love!
SD
Love this!!! I'm not that big girl at the gym, but I am a big girl trying to get fit!!!! Thank you for your inspiring words!!! I felt like you were speaking to me and its just what I needed to hear to get myself up and moving!!!
Great post. It is funny that you posted this. I was in TX last week and thought if I saw you or Meg, I would be embarrassed to come up and talk to either of you because of my size. Seriously, I'm crying at my desk thinking of how I haven't the confidence to talk to someone who shares so much. Thanks for the kind words from one more big girl.
I so needed this today! I started the 5K runner program this morning! I was beet red when I finished...it sucked! I felt pretty good once I was done but my face was red for the longest time afterwards! I have tried so many things to lose weight and I want more than anything to NOT GIVE UP this time! I hung up 3 different bikini's around my house this morning for motivation! There is no reason I can't get back into those! Thanks for the inspiration!
I LOVE THIS!!!!! Im sitting at my desk now crying. I am that big girl and yes it is hard everyday but I know it will soon be worth it!!! I love you and your blog. You should totally print this and slid it to her. Im printing it to keep in my purse for days that are super hard!!!
Toya
this is just too sweet! i think you should give her your blog address so she will stumble upon this post :)
Thank you for writing this for all of us "big girls". I workout at home now but when I went to the gym, I swore everyone was looking at me. Then I realized that all of those negative thoughts were in my head, not other peoples. Most people at the gym are actually really supportive. I remember this time I was dying on the elliptical and my ipod fell off onto the elliptical track and got run over. I was embarrassed because the jolt caused me to almost fall off the machine. Then on the way back up from retrieving it, I hit my head. I looked over to the guy working out beside me and he offered me this friendly, empathetic smile. I wish I knew his name so I could thank him. That smile made all the difference.
This made me tear up!!!!
This is perfect. I love it.
Very motivating for me as well!
I'm really glad that you posted this. I'm just starting my weight loss journey and I have a lot to lose. I AM that girl. The one who thinks she doesn't fit it, people are staring etc. Its been bothering me so much that I haven't been back to the gym, simply because like you said, its just another reminder of what I can't do and how different I am. I really needed to read this tonight because I needed the extra motivation. Thanks for posting. I think you should tell her these things - she may not have anyone at home who does. I know I don't, only my husband and kind words from people who don't HAVE to say them can sometimes make all the difference.
I'm currently one of the big girls you're referring to. I was working out with my personal trainer the other day, and this really hot guy was in there at the same time. Apparently he and my trainer knew each other and had chatted briefly while I was grunting during my squats. I couldn't help thinking how embarrassing it is to struggle through my workout and have this guy watching my fat jiggle all over the place and hear my grunts. Anyways, I had just finished the burn portion of the workout and was walking to get my water when he came over and gave me a fist pump. That made me feel a little bit proud of myself and the workout I just completed. Then when I was stretching, he came over and asked me what my motivation was for working out and told me that I was doing a great job and to keep going...that it's not going to be easy, but don't give up and that I'll get to where I want to be eventually.
With that being said, I understand you not being completely comfortable approaching this lady, but I don't think it would hurt if you tried. I'd be willing to bet that even if she doesn't act thankful for your comments, deep down she really is, and will take them to heart. I was kinda intimidated by this good looking, in shape guy when he first started talking to me but realized that he was only trying to be friendly, motivating, encouraging, and helpful. I really appreciated his comments, and I hope to be able to have the confidence to talk to a "big girl" one day when I no longer am one, and tell her that it's okay, she'll make it, it'll suck the whole time, but it definitely gets easier.
Im in tears here because I am that big girl and feel every bit of everything you just wrote.....You inspire me sooo much. Thank you for this and for being so amazeballs
WOW I really needed that! felt like you were speaking to me personally!
Thank you. I feel like the Big Girl a lot. Im going to keep that letter and pretend that you wrote it to me. Maybe one day ill write my own letter.
i love this. so much. please keep doing what youre doing - youre so inspiring.
I just started getting serious in my weight loss journey and this post made me cry. I am the big girl at the gym hoping and praying that people aren't watching and judging me and wishing the whole time that I could be one of the smaller girls. Thank you so much for your inspiration!!
This is an amazing post! Beautiful really. I had such a fear of going to the gym because of the feelings you described and being embarrassed. I've just started going and I do feel so self conscious. It was great to read this to first know that perhaps there are others at the gym I go to that may see me and think something positive like this and not disgust. Second I think it is great because it is a good reminder that just because someone is thin now doesn't mean that they've always been that way do you can't ever prejudge anyone you see at the gym. Thanks, I really appreciated this post.
Oh welp... Now I'm crying...
Oh Wow! This is hands down the BEST post I have ever come across. It's motivational and inspiring and probably just the push she needs to keep going. I, for one, would be blown away to know that some felt this way about me. I'm a big girl and I stuggle every single day and I constanty feel like people are judging me based on that. You and your followers have restored my faith in people.
Thank you Mama Laughlin!
Love,
Amber
sittinpretty86.blogspot.com
What a beautiful post! I never comment on your blog-- but read it religiously and love it. This is beautiful and you are an amazing person.
Mama - give her that encouragement ... more than a smile. You know that sometimes, we need that real pat on the back. A simple card to tell her efforts are not going unnoticed, that she is doing great. Slip it to her and say just read this when you get home. Way to go girl - I have been there and come here for support ...
You are amazing in your generosity and kindness. Keep it up girl!
Janice
this is great! :) ..happy valentine's day! ♥
WOW!!! You have no idea how amazing you are!! I'd love to give you a hug right now. I am one of those "big girls"--trying not to be a "big girl" anymore, but am definately intimidated by the rest of the gym goers, so I usually keep on the elliptical or walk laps around the perimeter of the building. I can understand you being uneasy about approaching this person and how akward it may initially be, but I think you would be an excellent motivator for her and possibly help her with her workouts and more or less train her. Please keep us update if you make contact with her or not and how that goes!! I just recently started following your blog and I think you are awesome and you have accomplished so much, it is amazing!! Keep it up girl!
I would put this on her windshield too, but I would probably refrain from calling her "big girl" because nothing stings more than when somebody points out a flaw that you KNOW you have are are sensitive about. Last week a kid I nanny for told me my stomach looked jiggly and I almost burst into tears. I was already feeling soo bloated and fat and then that just made me feel 10 times worse :( If this lady was to read this it would give her the boost to continue on and work towards her goals, knowing that at least somebody besides herself (you!) is rooting her on!
That was awesome.
Tearing up for sure! You rock.
WOW!! You are amazing for writing this! It hit home and I thank you from the bottom of my big girl heart!! Love the mention of the shorts riding up while running, which most people consider jogging. I really needed this "reminder" that it does get better. Not easier, but better :)
Awesome! Great post!
i absolutely relate. i almost want to make this into a patch and wear it! "Former Big Girl" I smile politely too and i still have the chafing! you are incredibly motivating. :)
Miss Mama, I can't thank you enough for all of the motivation that you give, I wish I when lived in Texas to party with ya! With your encouragement I had started doing zumba and turbo kick for an hour and a half total! I was feeling great, I lost 11 lbs for my wedding in June! Then I fell at work in October and tore my acl, just had surgery last week, but I continue to follow you, and cant wait to work out, now it will just be pt at first! But without your encouragement, and especially the last one about big girl, I wouldn't be excited to work out again, so thanks. I'm starting at 263 and my long term goal is 180, but Ill be happy with starting out at 215! So thanks, and I will prob continue smiling while I cry happy tears as I get motivated. Thanks! *hugs*
OMG I agree with EVERYTHING above! I am also printing this out for me to remember! I cried every time I read this.. Love you Mamma!!
Lisa
http://33sprincess.blogspot.com/
Thank you!
I totally agree!!!! That's exactly what I would do. (Hello, I'm Brooke and I'm a stalker) I cried just reading this.
Telling her she is doing a great job would probably give her an unmeasurable amount of confidence. You should give her one of these prizes! Keep on keepin'on!
I love this!!!
Love this post!! Thank you! I have a question.. I am currently working out daily and hate it (total big girl here). My question is--- WHEN do u get to the point where you enjoy it and want to do it?! I have several friends that LOVE running or working out. They say that they feel great afterwards and that just isn't happening. I do love seeing results but hate the process... When does it get easier?
You need to talk to that Big girl! I was that big girl at the gym two years ago. I wore the same outfit every single day(I washed it every single day too...baggy pants and t-shirt. Going to the gym was the hardest thing I have done... everyday for the last 2 years. During one of my very fist weeks at the gym, we were out running( I use running losely) a timed large lap(1/2 mile). One of the cute, skinny girls ran by me and said "keep going. You've got this. YOU CAN DO THIS." Every single time I do something hard(even at my lowest weight) I can see and hear that nice girl telling me I can do it! You need to tell the Big Girl at the gym how proud you are of her and that she CAN do it! You will change her world...forever!
This is awesome! I am that big girl in the gym almost everyday working to be healthy. This is complete motivation and just thank you for writing this!
Thank you for this. I needed it today.
This is wonderful, right now I am the big girl and fight with my self consciousness every time I stop at the park on my way home to run. I hate passing other people or exercising in front of anyone. It was great to hear this today, gave me the little lift I needed to stop and run today. Thanks.
I just re-read this for the 10th time. Thanks for all the inspiration Mama! It is truly appreciated.
This is perfect. Absolutely love you!
Thank you for being such a compassionate human being! Tell her she is doing great or just befriend her it could change her world and yours :)
I love this. Love it.
This is me right now. I needed this more than you will ever know. I'm printing out this post and I'm going to use it as motivation. Thank you. As someone who has struggled for so long with who/what I am, it's people like you that remind me to step it up and things will get better if I try.
Love this. Thank you for writing everything down and for inspiring me to do the same!!! :)
This seriously lit a fire under me! I just shared it on my FB page because I know so many people who will benefit from your words. I am so happy I discovered your blog and I am inspired by you. Thanks for this! =)
I know this post is a few weeks old, but I just got around to reading it. Thank you for writing this. As a current big girl, I find myself having these feelings in the gym... the anxiety, the shame, the frustration. It's a rough road but knowing others have been there in my shoes helps motivate me!
I'd love to know how the girl is doing. I just can't help but think maybe she did end up reading this somehow and it's made her feel so inspired. :)
Love it Mama! I'm a "melting" big girl...I've lost 20 pounds with a lot more to go, but finding your blog has been so helpful to keep me motivated on my journey. I just printed this post twice and taped it to the wall next to my treadmill and to the wall next to the mirror I get dressed in front of...thank you!
I had to search for half an hour to find this because I needed to re-read this today. I had a rough time in the gym today amongst the skinny girls. Thank you for always helping me make it through those tough days!
I came to this blog from pinterest and have been on for nearly an hour. I love it. Not even half way through this I started crying my eyes out. I just started running this week. So far, I hate it. I am that big girl, feeling judged and fat and all I can think about is people staring at me. I almost asked my husband if I could spend a couple hundred dollars on a tredmill so I wouldn't have to face the gym. This letter has changed my mind and along with this blog is changing how I think about losing my weight. I just want you to know how much this is appreciated and I hope soneday I can get to a similar place that you are now. Thank you so much! ♥
Post a Comment