Those of you who read my post about Wizard Camp may remember that I took the kids swimming every day for a couple of hours. Well, I wasn't so happy about baring my legs in a swimsuit for five straight days. While in the bathroom stall adjusting my Little Mermaid towel -- yes, now you all know that I never go swimming without my Little Mermaid beach towel -- so that it covered a good portion of my legs, I heard two of my older Wizard Camp girls talking about who would leave the locker room first. These girls were not yet 11 and they were not remotely heavy, BUT they had already learned to compare themselves to other girls. And, in comparing themselves to other girls, they had realized that there were slimmer figures out there. And here I was, in a nearby bathroom stall, exhibiting the same symptoms of self-loathing.
Fast forward a few weeks later. It's 90-some degrees, humid, and I'm trying to go for a jog. Another fact about me? I have not allowed myself to wear a pair of shorts since at least senior year of high school, if not even slightly earlier than that. So, I'm going for this jog wearing a pair of black capris. Yeah, they're more flattering to my shape (which is decidedly pear-like), but it's HOT outside. And my boyfriend asks me for the umpteenth time: "Why, why, WHY don't you finally give in and buy a pair of shorts?" And I give the obvious answer (the same one I've used for years): "Because I'm too FAT, darn it!!!"
But then I realized something. As an educator, I am committed to being a good role model for boys and girls alike. How can I properly set a good example if I am saying one thing (such as, "Girls - don't be ashamed of your body!") while doing the exact opposite? Shortly after, I went to Target and bought myself a pair of running shorts. If you happen to see me running around one of the Minneapolis lakes during what's left of summer, I'll probably be wearing them. It may not be pretty, but I'm cool, comfortable, and (slightly more) confident!
