Embracing Body Positivity: Allison’s Inspiring Response to Fat-Shaming
Being labeled as “fat” is not just an insult; it’s hurtful and damaging. Recently, a mother of two, Allison, shared an incident that occurred while she and her kids were swimming. This incident has left everyone wondering what really happened.
Allison’s Journey of Self-Acceptance
Allison Kimmey, a strong and resilient woman, has been on a journey of self-acceptance and body positivity. Starting her battle with dieting at the young age of 14, she managed to maintain a specific size throughout graduate school. However, she realized that true contentment lied in embracing her body’s natural changes.
Three years ago, at the age of 27, Allison reached a size eight. Instead of feeling defeated, she recognized that her body’s changes were a part of life’s natural process. Determined to inspire and motivate others, she created the @allisonkimmey Instagram account. Through this platform, she shares empowering images and quotes, spreading her message of body acceptance.
The Incident at the Pool
During a recent trip to the pool with her children, something unexpected happened. Her daughter shouted at her, calling her fat. Although hurt, Allison seized this moment to teach her children an important lesson about body image and acceptance.
A Calm and Thoughtful Conversation
Rather than reacting with anger or upset, Allison responded to her daughter’s comment with a calm and thoughtful conversation. Here’s an excerpt from Allison’s Instagram post:
Me: “What did you say about me?”
Her: “I said you were fat, mama. I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. The truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not something you can BE. But I do HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It protects our muscles and our bones and keeps our bodies going by providing us energy. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! So do I, and so does your brother!”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
Her brother: “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
Me: “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have very much. But that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “So can you repeat what I said?”
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t be just fat, but everyone HAS fat, and it’s okay to have different fat.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Allison’s intention was not only to teach her children how to speak respectfully to others but also to spread the message of equality regardless of body shape. It’s no wonder that her Instagram post has gone viral.
Embracing Equality and Kindness
Allison beautifully explains how shaming her children for using the word “fat” would only perpetuate the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical, or undesirable. Instead, she wants to encourage us all to be better at uplifting each other and not judging based on appearances.
It’s time to change the narrative and prioritize kindness and acceptance. Let’s spread the word and support each other in embracing body positivity and equality.
