Candice Huffine – Instagram
“How come people don’t ever say ‘You look so fit,’ ‘Wow, you are so strong’ or ‘You run so fast and far now!’?!”
Candice Huffine has taken to social media to expose how the words we use to deliver praise is actually sending the wrong message, divulging the hidden undertone of obvious compliments.
The plus-size model and body positive advocate recently shared a gym selfie, wearing a strategically placed T-shirt to show her stomach. Using an excerpt from her own journal entry she wrote a year ago, Huffine perplexed as to why we value being called “skinny” rather than being admired and empowered for strength, fitness and ability.
“In my experience the times I’ve slimmed down the most have been preceded by stress, a break up, lack of self-care, something traumatic. How come people don’t ever say ‘You look so fit, ‘Wow, you are so strong’ or ‘You run so fast and far now?!’” she wrote.
“It’s always about size, not ability,” she wrote, adding, “sometimes it overjoys us for someone to say we shrunk. Well, I’ve changed by mindset once and for all. My stomach can jiggle and roll up when I sit for all of eternity, but if I can be healthy and strong and finish this race, then I’m complete.”
The question was aptly posed by Huffine, who ran a half-marathon just a few days after posting the photo. She follows on by saying that she is now in the best shape of her life.
“Tummy still has rolls and I feel unstoppable,” she wrote and we love it! It isn’t about how your outer skin may look, its the internal and the feeling of strength, comfort and happiness from within!
Her post hits a nerve, striking a valid point about the immense and unrealistic pressure we put on ourselves to look a certain way. It’s an inspirational and brilliant reminder that we are perfect just the way we are, no matter our size.
“There’s no perfect body,” she wrote. “The one you have right now is amazing. Let it lead you to perfect days, finish lines, happy times and fun. Take in compliments that inspire you and give ones that empower.”
We are seeing more and more incredible role models of self worth and self love! Love who you are, don’t be marked or dependent on the superficial, it is a continuous cycle of unattainable. Find and nourish what makes you shine from within, be proud of who you are, your strengths and your weaknesses, your triumphs and your failures! Forget SKINNY! Give me strong, give me empowered and give me F***ING AMAZING!
Candice Huffine – Instagram
