Overcoming body-shaming and finding body acceptance

“Fat” is a word I’ve always been afraid of. It’s a word that has haunted me forever.

I’ve been body-shamed for as long as I can remember. I’d hear it almost everywhere: from strangers, colleagues, even friends and family.

Others say it with concern.

“Maganda pero mataba.”

“Think of your health.”

Most would just blurt it out with hate and disgust, while some would even pair it with laughter.

“Ano ba yan, nasa TV pero ang taba-taba!”

I’ll pretend not to care, maybe I’ll even break out a small smile. But inside, I’m losing faith in myself.

I lost an ovary at an early age, which caused my hormones to act up. This is why I will never be stick thin. Everyday became a struggle.

Other people medical conditions causing them to gain weight, while other simply lose touch with themselves after fully giving their lives to their loved ones. Some are just genetically bigger.

Most women wake up each day already questioning and criticizing their own bodies. Why can’t we be thinner and fairer? How can I lose these stretch marks? Why is this pimple not even going away?

Some days, we put on our brightest smiles. These are glory days. We feel wonderful in our own skin.

But most of the time, it takes so much courage to even step out that door, to face the world where we are constantly being judged.

For not being thin enough or beautiful enough.

For not being good enough.

But really, what’s wrong with being fat? Heavy? Or more rounded on the edges?

When did being larger than society’s perception of beauty become a sin?

To those people, that is all I’ll ever amount to. Someone to laugh at because I’m fat.

Words used to get the best of make-up artist and vlogger Teena Arches especially when she was younger.

Now, she simply doesn’t care. Life is too short to be miserable, she says.

Over time, I’ve learned to love myself. I am more than my size.

Women are more than what the scales tell us. I know it’s easier said than done but it’s time shut out the negativity.

Let’s be kind to ourselves. We are all beautiful in our own unique way. Stop hating your flaws. Own them. Celebrate them. Love them.

This is hard but we have to be kind to others too. Especially those who make fun of us, heckle us or belittle our efforts.

Maybe they need more kindness in their lives. Pray for them.

Lastly, love. Love everyone, love life.

Because before others can love us, we must love ourselves.

Maganda ako. Period. No ifs or buts. —JST, GMA News

Saleema Refran's segment on body positivity #MagandaAkoPeriod airs tonight on Brigada.