I’ve been lucky enough to know quite a few smart, kind, generous, amazing women in my lifetime, but tops on that list would have to be my mom. So, in the spirit of Mother’s Day yesterday, I thought I’d share with you some wisdom my mom has passed down to me throughout my life.
Find Something You Love, And Do It
Mom teaching me how to be a super hero!
My mom is one of those people who had a calling, not just a career or a job. A registered nurse, she spent her life in service to her community, first as a visiting nurse and then as the director of public health. Now, even in “retirement,” she helps to runs a rural health initiative that has brought a community together to embrace healthy changes.
While my day job is definitely just a career, I can say with certainty that I have finally found my calling, here with BFD. Not only does it allow me to do my favorite thing (write), but it allows me to help people learn to accept and love their bodies, which will make the world a happier place. And it helps me to learn to accept and love my body, which makes me happier, too.
Embrace Difference
Me, Mom, and my sister.
One of the greatest lessons my mom taught me was that differences are meant to be embraced and celebrated, not feared. As many of you know, I have a sister with special needs. Unless you’ve been privileged enough to have someone like my sister in your life, you might fear people who are different than you, whose brains work differently, who communicate in different ways. Through watching my mom raise and care for my sister with infinite patience and kindness, I have learned how powerful and meaningful life can be when you embrace difference.
You and I may have different skin colors, different beliefs, different lifestyles. Our brains might work differently. And certainly our bodies do. But these things make me want to know you more, not less. I want to know who you are, and I want you to know who I am.
Make the Change You Want to See
Dad and Mom, celebrating one of her many awards.
You know that old saying, if you want something done right, do it yourself? My mom lives that, and has taught me to live it, too. If you don’t like what’s happening in your home, your life, or your community, stand up and make a change. Mom has also taught me that you don’t have to go it alone – you can, and should, bring people along for the ride.
What I write about here at BFD can be very unpopular (hi, Reddit!). We live in a world where diet culture is pervasive, where are taught that fat is bad, disgusting, a moral failure. To stand up and reject these ideas is hard. Whenever I waver, I think of my mom. Of the changes she has made in her world. And because of the lessons I’ve learned from Mom, I’m smart enough to bring all of you along with me on this crazy ride.
Mom and her mom.
Thanks, Mom, for making Big Fit Deal possible. It it wasn’t for your strength, wisdom, and generosity, for your kindness and support, I wouldn’t be who I am today, and BFD wouldn’t be part of the world. I promise to remember you when I’m rich and famous!
