I’m Not Fat, I’m Fluffy! ~ Oh Really?

Most people have heard the term “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy.”  I remember reading that for the first time when I was in junior high school in a Garfield cartoon.  You know Garfield, the legendary fat cat.  The epitome of the overweight, lazy, character who eats too much of high fat foods, and doesn’t care about his excess weight.

Karen and her Persian, Candy, are NOT Fluffy!

For me, this became a slogan for overweight people in defense of their weight.

It became a way to cope with the bias against fat people.

It became a protective mechanism against the dieting failure and low self esteem.

It became an excuse.

To declare “I’m Not Fat, I’m Fluffy” relieved me of any accountability for my weight gain.

A few years ago, I looked myself in the mirror and said to myself,

• “I am responsible for becoming fat.”
• “I am responsible for my weight gain.”
• “I am responsible for what I do about my health and weight.”

This began a turning point for me.  I took responsibility for myself and my weight.

I also started loving myself.  I had to start out with saying “I like you” until I worked up to being able to look myself in the eye and say “I love you”.  I had to love myself just the way I was, fat and all.  My fat could no longer define me.  It was a part of me but it wasn’t ME.

By taking responsibility for my weight, I started on the path of being in control.  Whether or not I ever lose my extra weight, I am in control of living a healthier life.  I am in control of loving myself and being kind to myself.  I no longer have to hide behind Fluffy.

I accept myself as being fat and being responsible for it.

I am also liberated from the mindset of beating myself up about my weight.  I learned how to forgive myself for gaining my weight.  I am a valuable, caring, intelligent, motivated, attractive lady who also happens to be overweight.  My fat has nothing to do with me as a human being.

I’m Not Fluffy!

My Mission with this blog is

• To support other women who have lived with being overweight.
• Support for women who have tried and failed to lose weight and have struggled with poor self-image.
• Support through sharing information about
• attitudes and behaviors that keep us fat,
• obesity related health issues,
• lifestyle changes,
• diet and weight loss and fitness.

All without playing guilt or shame or fear against you.

Most women facing losing a large amount of weight feel very alone.
And they often feel ashamed of the state they’ve gotten their bodies to.

Some ladies have figured out how to take the Weight Loss Journey with supportive friends.

I invite you to share in my journey.  Follow my story in the pages listed in the drop down menu under I’m Not Fluffy! at the top of the page.  Or go to The Biggest I’ve Been to read the next chapter.

Your friend and mentor,
Karen