As someone who is constantly in front a camera, I've grown accustomed to strangers discussing my body in the comments section and IRL.
After years of hard work and a lot reassuring myself, I went from hiding my body to displaying it unapologetically.
Growing up I was constantly asked about my weight. It was a regular topic of conversation.
In school, I would sit in a corner hoping no one would look at me or comment on my weight. At home, I learned to laugh through my insecurities by making myself the center of attention.
I was basically living a double life.
At first I felt a pang of hurt, but I quickly buried it. Heck, I had meme'd myself first anyway.
How you feel when you eat a salad. ????????????????
A photo posted by Jessica Torres (@thisisjessicatorres) on
How could I feel offended if I started the joke?
People I know (and strangers) messaged me to let me know that I'd been meme'd. I told them it was fine and I wasn't losing any sleep over it, which was a lie.
I make a living encouraging women to love their bodies — one meme was not going break me. I feel responsible for the women who look up to me and my confidence. I had to remain strong and unbothered.
But I was in denial. The meme did hurt my feelings.
They made me realize that I have a right to be upset. I am allowed to stand up for myself if I feel offended.
Did I get in the comments and start clapping back? No. But I stopped burying my feelings about it (like I did when I was younger).
Sometimes it's not about a grand statement or an epic clapback. It's about validating your own feelings, rising above, and keeping it moving.
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