Standing Tall

I have a friend named Jackie who is the most amazing dancer, performer, and fitness instructor. We grew up in the same town going to the same dance studio, and I was always in awe of the way she was able to bring choreography to life. 

So when I had the opportunity to dance with her again, I was so excited! Here was my beautiful pal - offering me a moment of mindful movement to boost my confidence. 

One lesson I will take away from our moving and grooving, is noticing how much space I take up. As a fat person with internalized fatphobia, I have always tried to make myself small. Even though, wowza, my personality is anything but small. I am intense, I love deeply, I have a big laugh, and a smile that bridges connections. 

Moving mindfully with Jackie made me aware of the potential space I can take up. If I stretch my arms wide, allow my chest to open, breathe deeply, my oh my - I finally have room. If I lift my arms up to the sky, let my head fall back and my neck open, I am tall, elegant, and have the power to speak my voice. 

It’s amazing how much taller I can stand when I let myself be all that I am.