Dealing With Weight Gain Part Two : Blogger Confidence
About a month ago I wrote this post about how I'd been dealing with my weight gain, and you guys seemed to really enjoy it, so I thought I'd talk all about how it's impacted my blogger confidence and tips on how to not let it stop you blogging if you're going through the same thing.
So, I realised that things were getting a bit bad in the weight gain department when my nine-year-old cousin informed me (kindly) that I looked like Jeff. Some context: Jeff is my chunky dwarf hamster pictured above who fills his cheeks with mountains of food and is almost an exact sphere. Brilliant, right?
Here are some tips on how I personally have been dealing with weight gain and maintaining my confidence in blogging:
Weight gain doesn't change your skills and abilities
I have to admit, I've been a bit guilty of thinking along the lines of 'good lord, why would any one even want to hear beauty/fashion/lifestyle advice from this fat girl who clearly isn't control of things?!', but this mentality gets you nowhere. In the end, my writing skills, photography skills and blog inspiration are still there, so my weight can go suck a dick, it impacts nothing and remembering that is one of the most important things you can do.
Your selfie game is still strong
Have you seen the whole 'violently contouring my Christmas double chin' meme? That's been me recently, but on a more serious note, having a little bit of the ol' hamster cheek syndrome isn't going to mean you suddenly forget how to do your makeup. Don't be ashamed of posting your current favourite selfie to Instagram - your followers will still love it because of your makeup skills.
Do more of what makes you feel good
Don't let weight gain get you down. Why not take a day trip to the city and take gorgeous photos to write a post on? Or buy a little present from you to you and get a piece of high end makeup to write about and make you feel super sassy when you leave the house (or just let your followers know how happy you are with it with a selfie). Even if you're not happy with your weight gain this doesn't mean all other aspects of your life have to be miserable.
Don't stop yourself from taking outfit photos
Let's face it, I'm not and probably never will be a fashion blogger, but I have been thinking about taking to outfit posts recently despite my weight gain. Your followers are not going to lose interest in your blog or your fashion advice just because you've gone up one or two dress sizes. In the end, if your style is on point it's going to be so no matter what size you are.
Be honest with yourself and your followers
If you're feeling shit don't think you have to force yourself to pretend that everything's sunny. Yes, excessive negativity is tiring, but maybe make a post about 'struggles with weight gain', start a discussion about it and get it off your chest. Keeping secrets and feeling as though you always have to be false with your following will only make you feel distanced and unhappy.
I hope you found these useful! What would you add?
This is such a lovely post. I've recently put on some weight and I've had days when I felt really miserable about it.
ReplyDeletewww.mydailywear.co.uk
Thank you. It can be really disheartening
DeleteSteph x
Thank you for sharing this. You have excellent points and great reminders for all of us:)
ReplyDeleteastylishlovestory.blogspot.com
You're welcome! I hope it was helpful
DeleteSteph x
Ah I love this. Great reminders, and you look absolutely lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope they helped
DeleteSteph x
you had me at "my weight can go suck a dick" lol. seriously, though, I definitely agree. Having gained quite a bit of weight since high school and been trying to lose it, I definitely think it takes a toll on confidence and the risks we take, but I think it's so important to not let it hinder us in life. thanks for the reminder and you are stunning ! Keep up the good work ♥
ReplyDeleteIt's true haha. Thank you! I'm glad it helped
DeleteSteph x
Thank you so much for posting. I've been trying hard to lose some of the weight I've gained in the past few years, and sometimes it's discouraging to the point where it's all I can think about. Thank you for the reminder that my weight isn't a reflection of who I am <3
ReplyDelete-Clarissa @ www.theviewfromhere.is
It can be so hard to lose it, and to see beyond your weight, but it's good to remember that it isn't everything
DeleteSteph x
Hi Steph, I just wanted to say that 1/ you are in no way fat! 2/ I totally get what you mean. I gained a bit of weight over christmas and I seriously felt like a bulky ogre until I was like like... wait, nothing has changed??? I mean, sure, things are looking a bit more like chubbiville but essentially I'm still the same person and people still love me for who I am. You're totally right. I've since been going to the gym more and found that really helped, particularly the idea that before you go about trying to get fit again it's important to accept that you look a bit different, rather than hide it. I actually found this pivotal in helping me go to the gym as I wasn't constantly comparing myself to my previous state!
ReplyDeleteRashina xxx
Thank you so much, this was a really thoughtful message! I really want to get more into going to the gym so that I feel more confident
DeleteSteph x