To the Teacher Who Taught Me to Love My Body

There I was sitting there in third grade feelin' a little awkward about myself. I was a little more pudgy than the average third grader and I basically had a bowl cut. I'm sure looking back at pictures I wouldn't necessarily agree with my insecurities from then, but all I remember was that my stomach seemed to stick out more than the other children. Needless to say, the societal pressure to look "perfect"...whatever that means....had already hit me at 8 years old. 

I'll be the first to admit, I did not get made fun of a lot growing up. I'm not sure if it was because of this conversation, if it people just never said anything to my face, or if people didn't think that it would faze me much, but I can only remember a couple of incidents after third grade. 

However, in third grade I do remember getting made fun of.

I don't remember all of the incidents, but I remember this one distinctly...and that's because of you. 

This little boy called me fat and it made me cry. I remember the child's name, his face, even where he sat in class, but I don't really remember what he said. However, I do remember what you said. 

I remember you taking me in to the teacher's area that each grade unit had, sitting me down, and asking me what happened. You looked at me and told me not to worry about what other people had to say about me. You told me that I was beautiful and that I would grow up to be beautiful. 

That conversation has stuck with me for almost 24 years. 24 years. 

I did grow up to be beautiful...at least I think so...screw what others think. 

I'm still pudgy...okay, more fluffy...but that's okay. 

Self-love has become a passion of mine.

Do I still have my moments of insecurities? Of course. Probably more than I wish to admit. I wouldn't be human if I didn't, but I don't feel that I have the complex that I could have had.

I cannot tell you how many people I have said similar words to. Whether it be the children that I have worked with over the years, a family member, or even a friend who was just having a moment. I've made sure to tell them that they were beautiful and that all that matters is how they feel about themselves. 

I have a daughter now. One of my goals as a parent is to teach her that she's beautiful just the way she is and to screw what society thinks. I want to teach her look at herself in the mirror and feel good about what she sees. Not because she meets other standards, but because she meets her standards.

 I want to teach her what you taught me. 

Thank you for teaching me to be comfortable in my own body.

Thank you for being a pivotal moment in my life...even if I did not realize it at the time...I mean, I was eight. 

Thank you for allowing your words to not only touch me, but to touch others that have come into my life. 

So, to the teacher who taught me to love my body...

Thank you. 

XOXO,

Kathy.