Back in June this year, I went to the amazing blogging conference that is 'Blogtacular' and am still processing everything that I learnt there. I feel a bit guilty I haven't posted a single blog since then but I have my reasons. Which I will explain another time.

Going to Blogtacular was so affirming for me in more ways than one. Not only that I felt so at home with fellow creatives and makers that just 'got' me. But also what I'd been seeing and feeling in terms of where the world is heading.

Saw Muse at the O2 in London on Sunday. Their opening interlude was 'Drones' and they put the lyrics up on one of the screens. One line really struck me 'we live our lives between our fingers and thumbs'. Just as I was pondering on this, someone in front of me pulled their phone out and started filming. The irony certainly wasn't lost on me!

Personally, I'm old school. I will succumb to the odd photo at a gig but tend to refrain from a full on video. I truly believe you should just be present at these things and not spend too much time trying to record it. Although it has now become something of a tradition to take a few selfies on the train on the way to said gig! I may try to limit myself with technology but I try not to be a complete troglodyte!

So today I was watching a bit of day time TV whilst feeding my two month old and happened to stumble across a programme on Pick called 'Fat Families'.   Being a woman of size I'm usually fairly into this kind of reality TV and thought I'd give it a go.  I almost wished I hadn't! Above is a pic of the Huzzey family featured in the episode I'm blogging about.

I was somewhat outraged at the presenter, (pictured left) Steve Miller's use of language.  His words were something to the tune of 'being a former fatty myself, I'm here to help these people shift their fat'.  I couldn't believe it! Personally, I think the word fat should be banned anyway.  You could say I'm just being sensitive but please tell me when this word is ever used in a nice way? In the media, amongst friends, family, colleagues, I feel it is always used in a derogatory fashion.  Having been bullied for my weight, I can't say that 'fatty' has great memories for me either. 

Talking to a friend from my book group, she commented the one time this word is used in a nice way is talking about babies having fat cheeks.  I can go with that, considering all the problems we had with poor weight gain with our little one.

Another part of the programme I didn't agree with was their apparent 'shock tactics'.  This involved standing each member of the family in swim wear and subjecting them to a harsh scrutiny of their bodies.  This was done by waving a camera at close quarters up and down their bodies and confronting them with this negative body image.  The Mum broke down and cried, I really felt for her as I really couldn't see how this was supposed to help.  For me it should be about encouragement.  Steve had said to the Mum earlier - 'I see you as a glamorous woman', to which she clearly responded to in a positive way.  But then he ruined it by adding 'but I just think you could be even more glamorous if you lost that weight'.  That may be the case but it just seemed so cruel to me.

As a Christian, I know God loves me no matter what I do or what I look like.  That doesn't mean I can do what I like, His grace is freely given but it shouldn't be abused.  That's another story for another time, but for this point I'm trying to make, I am God's princess and He doesn't look at the outside.  He looks at my heart, He sees my potential and what I'm capable of and He lets me get there in my own time.  Not like this annoying TV presenter with his 'build 'em up and knock 'em down' attitude.

The above picture was taken on holiday in Spain where they happened to have a light procession.  I couldn't resist having my photo taken next to the Princess carriage! It perfectly illustrates who I am in God and I love the analogy of the lights shining out in the darkness.  After all, those of us who have that relationship with God, it is what we are called to be to those who don't know Him.

Back to the programme.  One last part I really disagreed with is when Steve was explaining how easy it is to lose weight.  That all you need to do is eat less and move more, 'it's that simple'.  Well, I beg to differ! In my experience, having this knowledge is one thing, doing it is quite another!

Generally, I try to eat a healthy, balanced diet but my downfall is not doing enough exercise and eating too many sweet things day in, day out.  I find it very hard to motivate myself in terms of exercise, you have got to be determined when it comes to weight loss.  But trying to cut out the sweet things is even harder.  At least when you do partake in exercise you get that lovely endorphin rush.  But the pleasure I receive from indulging in sweet things means more to me than the product of being slimmer.  It really is like an addiction.  Plus I think the signals my brain should receive to say I'm full are screwed.  Which leads to me still feeling hungry and having to fight the urge to eat more.  So to say that losing weight is simple really frustrates me!

However, it can be done.  Just know that whatever size you are, you have something to offer to the world.  And if you don't know what that is yet, just ask those around you who love you, appreciate you and can give you the encouragement you need.

I welcome any comments on this subject so please feel free to get in touch.

Photo credits:

The Huzzey family - ovguide.com

Steve Miller - Radio Times