Figuratively Speaking

The other day, I was scrolling my way through one social media or another (I enjoy looking at pictures of funny animals or babies), when I came across an article titled something like “Things girls with small frames and large busts can relate to”. Personally, I cannot relate as I do not possess such “assets”. However, the general topic of such an article is quite common. You can find “Things people with (blank) can relate to” all over the place. The gist of them all is listing comedic struggles and problems you might face if you have/are (blank).  While I tend to like these kinds of posts as I find most of them funny, even if I can’t relate to them, it occurred to me that I have never seen anything like “Things I love about being/having (blank). It might not be as funny, but wouldn’t it be great to have everyone, not just fit, tiny, or muscular people you see in magazines and on TV, celebrating the way they are? No “How to make your waist look smaller” or “Build 20lbs of muscle fast”.  Just people being people and acknowledging and appreciating who and what we are, what we have, and where we are in life. This is a place I’ve been striving to be for years, and although I am far from being able to love my body, or even like it, on more days than I’d care to admit, I might as well try this. “This” being the following list of things I love (or at least can appreciate and/or laugh at. Here goes!

On Being fairly, um, “flat”

I actually love this about myself. I am all about comfort and I don’t need pesky things getting in my way when I run down the stairs. They might not look like pictures of girls I see, but I love it. (Plus I can still sneak into some kids’ clothes, shh!)

On Having Straight, very difficult to curl, Hair

I never have to use a flat iron. I just brush it (unless I forget) and I’m good to go! No need for extra hours spent with a blow-dryer! Also, when I leave my hair in braids for a few days and take it out, it looks pretty cool (that is, until I brush it and it turns Hermione on me).

On Having a somewhat “Boyish” Figure

Call me crazy, but I actually like this about myself. Yes, I have a difficult time dressing it at times, what with having a less well-defined waist, but it’s kind of cool when I strap on a belt and BAM! A waist.  I wouldn’t want any other kind of body. Also, I can pretty much nail a male role in games of pretend (okay, this came in handy more when I was a kid playing “Harry Potter” or “Frodo Baggins”, but still, if Broadway ever calls, I’m game).

On Having Brownish/Hazel Eyes

If nothing else, it’s always fun when people ask what colour my eyes are and I open them wide and say, “You tell me”.

On Having Eczema and other skin issues

I get cool nicknames like “lizard skin” (or lizzie for short).  Also, whenever I try a new skin product (especially face masks), it’s like Russian roulette!

On Being Sensitive

I might not cry for movies, but call me your friend and I’ll be welling up in the corner. I enjoy being in the company of other sensitive souls. I don’t usually make enemies because I try very hard to be kind and considerate to all.

On Being a little High Strung

Everything is very intense, from the book I’m reading to the passionate argument about whether or not they should have made another Spiderman franchise (I’m all about Toby Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and James Franco). Maybe I should use the word “highly excitable” instead of “high strung”. Waiting for something good, like Christmas, or going on a trip, becomes as much fun as the event itself, which means I get to enjoy the lead-up.

And Finally, on Being Imaginative

Yes, having a strong imagination can lead to nightmares, picturing horrific outcomes, and general worry, it also has its benefits. I can just be sitting and thinking about possibilities, hypothetical scenarios in which I can do whatever I want, and be content for a while. It’s also excellent for stories.

There you have it. As you can see, I tried not to talk about things I dislike (that list is pretty long), but instead celebrated what I do like. Maybe you can relate, and maybe you can appreciate yourself a little more for what you have or don’t have.\

Happy November everyone!