Fat Talk Free Week

A few months ago I blogged about my thoughts on the importance of Ending Fat Talk.  Little did I know that just two months later I would learn of a wonderful campaign called International Fat Talk Free Week being celebrated from October 19th-23rd.  That's now!  This fantastic body image awareness campaign has not been widely recognised here in Australia but I predict that from 2010 it will be.  I for one can't wait to jump on board.

I don't wish to take anything away from the inspiring organisers of this campaign by writing too much about it as I think you are best served to watch the video and other details below and learn more about it by visiting their website.  Please do take the time to learn more, especially if you don't know what 'fat talk' is.  I think by the time you learn more, you will realise that it is something that most of us have done at some point in time to either describe ourselves or someone else.  Despite this, fat talk is something that serves no purpose except to make us feel highly critical of our physical selves and others bodies as well.  There are so many better things we can do and say!



In the spirit of Fat Talk Free Week I thought it may be helpful for me to repeat the tips I gave in Ending Fat Talk.  I hope they may assist you or anyone you care about. 

Happy Fat Talk Free Week!

There is nothing that can ever be gained from putting yourself down, either silently within your thoughts, or externally in front of others. Please don’t.

If you think that making a disparaging comment about yourself after someone in your presence has done the same will make them feel better – it won’t. All you are doing is reinforcing that negative talk about our bodies is acceptable for any person and have tried to deflect negativity from them on to you. It just ends up being doubly negative.

If you find yourself feeling consumed with negative feelings about your appearance when in the company of others (including other women), please know that this is not ok and that freedom from these thoughts can be attained. Seek the help of a supportive counsellor as soon as you can.

Before saying anything disparaging about yourself in the company of others – slow down. Ask yourself – why am I saying this? How will this contribute positively to the conversation? How will this contribute positively to me? It won’t? Please don’t say it.

Learn to accept graciously given compliments about yourself (including potentially those about your appearance) and never deflect them back to the giver with a negative response. Someone has taken the time to throw some sunshine your way and they want you to have that positivity. Take it with a smile and a thank you.

Recognise consistently with every breath you take, every day you live, that you are worthy and beautiful as you are. Fat talk will do nothing but detract from this which is a travesty for you and those around you. Be still and gracious in who you are.