Taking My Figure into My Own Hands

By: Writing Mamas Salon (View Profile)

OK, she said, very nicely, and took down my information. No trying to talk me into keeping it, or tempting me with special offers. The whole thing was feeling very anti-climatic.

Then she asked, “May I ask why you are canceling your catalog?”

My chance had arrived!

“Yes,” I replied. “Because I don’t look like your models.”

She laughed and said, “I understand completely.” I felt a bond with this woman. We said good-bye and I hung up the phone, feeling empowered because I had delivered my message, but had not unloaded my own issues onto someone who didn’t deserve them.

By Kristy Lund

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posted: 02.26.2008
Melissa Hereford
Kristy, I loved your story! It is so right on...everytime I look through a catalog I wonder "would that piece of clothing fit over my bottom...look at HER bottom...where is her bottom?" But the bigger picture point of the story here is that we often take our anger, frustration, bad days out on other people. We should do what we tell our 3-year olds to do...take a deep breath! And then think about how we might be really hurting another person with our own baggage. If you remember that a smile to a stranger can brighten her day, the opposite is true of a scowl. Melissa
posted: 02.19.2008
Stephanie
Katie I love your point about the graphic. Once I started noticing the unrealistic representations of women, I see them EVERYWHERE. It's crazy-making to see how often we're shown (in innocent cartoons, in little representative graphics) what we're 'supposed' to look like. I've got big boobs and a big butt, and none of her cartoon clothes would fit me :)
posted: 02.12.2008
Kristy Lund
Hi, I'm the author of this piece (I'm part of the Writing Mamas Salon). Jacinta, thanks for your comments. Yes, I get riled up about the same things! :) Kate, thanks for the advice and feedback. I agree with you about the graphic, that woman wouldn't be worrying about swimsuit season. Thanks everyone for reading and taking the time to comment! Kristy
posted: 02.06.2008
Kate Hutchinson
Also, does anyone else find it weird that this is a post saying we're not all thin little waifs, and it's illustrated by a picture of... a thin little waif. I mean, her arm and her waist are the same size!
posted: 02.06.2008
Kate Hutchinson
I don't look like the models either... If you want a nice swimsuit, I like the ones at Patagonia or Land's End. They are comfy, last a long time, and are designed for normal women.
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