WORLDLY WEDNESDAY

My not-so-weekly update of things I have seen, read, or experienced in the last week that really stuck with me.

I am going to start this week with a really concerning article I just finished reading. This article on XOJANE by Lesley Kinzel really struck a chord with me. Lesley discusses the fact that many people who fall into eating disorders are, or previously were, overweight. A subject that is often focused on in the fat positive community is the idea that many overweight patients have their symptoms dismissed by physicians. We can't help but notice that every single health issue somehow leads to a discussion about our weight. Yes, I suspect I do have strep throat and yes I do know that I still could "stand to lose some weight". Yes I'm eating fruits, veggies, and whole grains and yes, I do still go to the gym...tell me again what that has to do with my migraines. These are the kinds of conversations we hear at every. single. visit. What's worse is the fact that before these questions are directed at us, we hear similar things directed at our parents. We are in the doctor for the flu, for a broken bone, for a yearly check-up and the doctor is more focused on how much time we spend outside playing. So the real meat of the issue mentioned in the article is that many overweight boys and girls suffer, at some point, from an eating disorder or abnormal eating and exercising habits. I remember the heartbreaking journey that I took time and time again. I remember all the things I tried to desperately lose weight and I remember none of them working. The only thing I gained from this stupid game I played with my health was the dysfunctional idea that I was doomed to be fat forever. I shouldn't have to tell you that at 14 this might as well be a death sentence. Since it seems many of today's doctors are overlooking the real issues at hand, I challenge you to pay closer attention to the people in your life. Especially as we get older it seems that it is not only accepted but also celebrate when the girl in our office says something outrageous like "I was so good yesterday; I didn't eat at all!" or "No lunch for me. I can only have chicken and celery." What kind of twisted World do we live in that this is okay?! I know it's hard and maybe you feel nosey for bringing it up, but I beg you to SAY SOMETHING. Maybe all you need to do is tell that person every single day how beautiful they are. Maybe something as simple as purposely NOT engaging in diet talk or mentioning that they look thin will be enough. Get to the office first with some hand picked flowers and leave them on her desk. Just feed these people love and see if you can't plant a seed inside them. Maybe by validating the fact that they are beautiful and good and loved separate from their eating plan, exercise routine, or pant size then you will be the catalyst that helps them build a healthy self esteem. I guess the real message I am trying to get across is this:

Every single person you meet is fighting their own battles. You don't get to know everyone's stories and you don't get to assume who has met which challenges. Greet everyone with a smile and a healthy dose of love. If you have an opportunity to commit a random act of kindness, take it. Opportunity sometimes knocks softly, so keep your eyes open for ways to better the World. Remember: the best compliments are on the ability someone has to make you smile, the way their voice sounds when jamming out in the car, the fearlessness they display in the face of adversity, or just generally on how awesome they are.

Alright, onto something completely different. HERE is a really fabulous recipe for a light southwest dip. I can see using this same mixture (shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, jalapeno slices, and guacamole) in a sandwich, on crackers, or on tortilla chips with cheese for nachos! I haven't made it yet but it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. 

I would love it if you checked out the Militant Baker's post about an event she attended on the subject of rape culture...and the unexpected experience she had. I was nearly reduced to tears and, in response, I wrote my last blog post titled "a letter". If hearing an apology had that kind of effect on people, I thought having an entire letter to myself would heal an often forgotten part of myself. I encourage you to write an apology, a poem, or a letter to yourself. I think it is a growing experience. 

One of the pages I follow on facebook featured this maxi dress on their page and I am so in love with it! I am a little upset that it's on a plus sized site since I have troubles finding a good fit more often than not. This won't thwart my efforts to find a similar dress that might fit me though because WOW, am I right?! I am hoping this is going to be a style we see a lot more of. The royal blue and gold are just killing me and the silhouette is show stopping. 

On that note, let's look at some of the trends from Fashion Week shall we? 

                                                       

Vintage football sweater with high waisted denim shorts! I mean really, this look is so fun!! This particular line is by Kristin Cavallari and is NFL inspired. I am more of an SEC or college football kind of gal but either way you can rock it. Denim with designs and embellishments is really big right now and I am so excited about this trend. What's better than a comfy pair of jeans with some sparkle? Let me just say that the pairing of a crop top with a high waisted bottom is probably my favorite fashion choice ever. I could wear this same look every single day in a million different ways. 

A similar look can be worn by Bama fans by pairing this vintage looking 3/4 sleeve top with some 50/50 high waisted shorts like these. 

A not-so-shocking revelation is: the 90's are back! The biggest look reminiscent of the 90's that you are sure to see hitting stores everywhere is the mixture of plaid, leather, and denim. Need some examples that you can apply to your own closet? I have a whole bunch of them for you!!! Asos curve wrapped the trend into this really sleek outfit. There's nothing about the faux leather skirt, long tartan coat, and black boot combo that I don't love. Forever 21 pairs this edgy faux leather coat with velvet and I have to admit, I am really diggin' it. So go out there and play around with your bad girl side! 

That about covers it for this week. If there's anything in particular you think I should cover, I'd love to hear it. Leave a comment on any of my blog posts and I promise to get back to you super quick!