Fat is Not a Feeling

Sad. Frustrated. Disappointed. Those are all emotions. Ways we can FEEL.

However, “fat” is not a feeling.

I cringe every time I hear someone say “I feel fat.” No – not really… You are frustrated at the way your body LOOKS, but fat is not a feeling.

I’m not sure where that mindset comes from, but I wish I could change it somehow (and so I guess this is my best shot to do that by simply writing about it).

In elementary school, we teach children about different emotions and that it’s perfectly acceptable to feel all sorts of ways. We also teach them that it’s important to know how to process and respond to those feelings in different situations. However, I am absolutely positive “fat” was never included on those cute little charts of “My Emotions.” (Yes, I had this set on one of my bulletin boards.)

It’s just a twisted mind game Satan likes to play.

My friend Angel, talented writer – (she’s published a book about her family’s journey as her husband WALKED across America!) – and family fitness enthusiast says:

“Stop saying “fat.” Stop calling yourself fat and trying to burn it at the gym. “Fat” is uglier than a four letter word, and it never makes anyone feel good to hear it. Instead of pointing out an area of yourself that you don’t like in such a derogatory way, be your own advocate, and encourage yourself. Don’t ever say, “I’m so fat,” or “I feel so fat in this dress.”

Instead, try this on, “My lifestyle change is really helping me make progress.” Say “I am working towards the healthier me,” not “I am burning the fat.” And nowhere in life does your mom’s old chastisement fit better than with the word fat; “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

For more encouragement from Angel, like her J.O.Y. (Jesus. Others. Yourself) Life Facebook page.

Now here’s something I’m pretty certain you’ll never see on a health and fitness website: Rules for a new “drinking game”! Every time you say the word, “fat” (out loud OR in your own mind), you have to take a drink… OF WATER!

Let’s soak in these words; keep our minds fresh and our thoughts loving.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

Just keep in mind the words you say (both silently to yourself as well as out loud) are indeed being heard.

And regardless of your emotions, let’s remember that “fat” is not a feeling.