Today in my inbox I found this:
Hi Becky!
I just wanted to say that I read your blog about being called fat and BRAVO to you for standing against it. I have been called many things through the years, fat being one of them. I put up with a lot in high school before I finally started being around people who seemed to be a bit more mature, but there are still times people choose to say mean things.
Like you, I have things that work against me. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which causes a whole host of issues, of which I will not go into. Fortunately, I have a very mild case, which should not affect my fertility (if I'm ever fortunate enough to meet a nice guy and get married).
However, the issues I do have (such as easily gaining weight and having a hard time losing weight) are the things people can physically see. This is something I have struggled with since I was 14/15 years old but didn't get an official diagnosis from a specialist until earlier this year, at 30. I don't like to use my PCOS as an "excuse" for how I am, but it is valid and I wish more people would be understanding that not everyone is "fat" because they are lazy, over-eaters, have no self control, etc. It's so easy for people to make fun and offer "solutions" if they've never had to struggle with weight/health issues. There are things I can do to help control my symptoms, but, as of right now, there is no cure for PCOS.
Again, BRAVO to you for publicly, through your blog, standing up against this!
When I opened this my heart broke, I had tears in my eyes, and I was reminded that as a blogger I am an advocate for society, I am a VOICE for so many, and my blog has a HUGE impact!
While I share very personal thoughts like I did in I am Fat, and I share "business" thoughts like I did in my recent post In Response to "Living the Dream Team, Whose Dream is it" I am a voice for the public, an unedited and unfiltered voice.
Yesterday's post caused my personal and business Facebook page to blow up, the post received 215 hits in less than 24 hours. This tells me there is more people feeling the same way as I. A few of the comments left on my Facebook Page made me giggle, including someone telling me "Nobody but a dog wants bones". I appreciate the support from my readers, you all ROCK! My post In Response to "Living the Dream Team, Whose Dream is it" received 214 hits, some interesting comments left on the post, and I had an interesting trip to grocery store on Sunday for all the people wanting to ask me about it. This post showed me that our society and community is tired of being told what to do and wants a voice in their community.
Here is the thing, no matter what you do in life, never be afraid to speak your mind, speak how you TRULY feel, tell your dreams, share you enthusiasm for things, and remind others that we are still human! I am proud of the young lady who emailed me today, I am glad she took a moment to connect with me, I asked her if I could post her comment anonymously on here and she agreed!
For the rest of you here is 2 key pieces of advice:
1. Never make a blogger mad! We have a powerful network and we can use it. Not once have I ever pointed out who did what to me. However, many knew exactly who it was....they rallied support, gave their opinion, and connected with me.
2. Never underestimate a blogger! We may not have a degree in journalism, in fact my degree background (not complete, but 1/2 way there) is in Social Work, however, we are part of the community and often take the time to CONNECT with our community! We are not people that can be taken lightly, while we may not work for huge media outlets, our passions often carry us farther than names do. (must note I have many friends who are journalist, and I respect them and what they do greatly, but would rather be a blogger)
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