This post is written in response to the support and kindness I received on my “Dear Person Who Called Me Fat in Front of 5 Million People” post. If you haven’t read that post, then this one will not make a lick of sense to you. If you have read that post, it still might not make sense because I ramble a lot. You have been warned, friends. 🙂
So here’s the thing-
I’m not very good with words most of the time.
And I know that post probably made you think that I am good with words.
I’m not.
And currently, I am speechless.
I went to bed Friday night thinking about the person who called me fat, praying for her, and wondering how or if I should reach out to her. The thought of a blog post crossed my mind and I started writing it in my head. This happens a lot and by morning, I usually can’t even remember what I wanted to say.
That didn’t happen this time.
Bella didn’t sleep through the night and I didn’t sleep well. Every time I woke up, a blog post was writing itself in my brain. I couldn’t stop it. When I remembered what I wanted to say the next morning, I took it as a sign that I should hit “publish” and post it.
So I did. I thought a few of my blogging friends might like it, it might receive a couple comments, no different than most of my other posts.
Well, I thought wrong.
And now, here I sit staring at the screen. If I’ve said it once, I’ve probably said it one hundred times- I don’t know what to say. I’m not just saying that to say it- I absolutely, positively, 100% have no idea what to say. “Thank you” doesn’t seem like enough. So I’m sitting here rambling in a blog post all just tell you that I don’t know what to say.
How’s that for not-so-good-with-words?
I wish that I could reach through my screen and hug each and every one of you. That’s saying something, but I’m usually not a hugger. I wish that we could all sit in a room and do nothing but build one another up.
But I also want you to know that I’m not always so nice and that I am a work in progress. Sometimes I hurt other peoples feelings. I’m opinionated and straight forward and I unintentionally hurt people. And I just felt like I needed to say that, because you all made me out to be a lot better of a person that I really am. I responded to that one situation with compassion, but I fail on a daily basis. And please don’t think I’m saying that because I’m modest or an amazing person- I’m saying it because it’s true.
I wish I was that person behind that blog post every single day, but I’m not. I don’t know why, but I just felt like you should know that.
I struggle with self-doubt and as I read your comments, I felt certain I must have been reading about some other person. You all helped me see me in a different light. Thank you for that.
So, I just wanted to say thank you even though that doesn’t seem like enough. Your comments, tweets, Facebook posts, messages, texts- I’ve read each and every one of them and I’ve tucked them inside my heart.
And I’ll keep them there forever. And when I’m having a bad day, I’ll try to see me like you all saw me through that post. And I’ll continue trying to be that person.
In my next post, you can expect some pizza muffins and a recipe, because I really need to change the subject now. And because I promised them to a blogging friend two weeks ago. (Sorry, Marianna!)
I say “and” a lot.
And here are some photos from our weekend, because what is a post without photos!?
Happy Monday, y’all!
We are all a work in progress Whitney. Even though you make mistakes daily, you are working on it. Fact is that you handled that person with grace and dignity goes to show that you are working in the right direction and you are just amazing. And I like rambly posts so I adored this post!
I agree with what Alison said! You ARE wonderful Whitney!
no thank yous or explanations needed. You handled the situation in a very mature and selfless way. I for one would love to see more of that kind of compassion in the real world as well as on the internet.
Like Alison said we are ALL a work in progress and no one is perfect. However, some of us have more work left to do than others. I think you’re doing great. <3
Again, I find your willingness to allow imperfection, to simply be all that you are, such an inspiration. When we live in the truth, we embrace that our lives are messy, but full of love. I giggled when you spoke of the blog posts writing itself in your brain…isn’t that a great feeling?…I love the creativity! 🙂
Live in this moment Whitney! You are awesome.
You are a wonderful woman, mom, and wife! We love all parts of you. Keep believing in yourself … your beautiful self!!
You are even more sweet in my (cryng) eyes now.
Omiting your weaknesses and mistakes makes you even more human and loveable.
I hope you reach the goal that you are working towards, you seem to be off to a fantastic start.
HUGGLES!
I’m still confused by it all. I saw this on my newsfeed on Facebook and am baffled by why someone thinks you are fat and what possessed them to ramble about it on Facebook. You’re beautiful and so is your family. You were right in that other post…that other person is hurt inside and it’s why they are lashing out, but I doubt even they understand why they did what they did.
Thank you, both of your posts were beautiful. I am a work in progress too. Some days I get it right and some days I don’t.
That picture of Bryson flying through the air in his daddy’s arms = Priceless.
We love you Whitney. You are true and genuine and sweet and so much more.