Making friends as a child was never an issue to me. I always provided a space for other girls to feel comfortable around me. But I remember this one time...
One of my childhood friends offered to play with Barbie dolls, similar to her characteristics, and I agreed to partake in this activity: Let's call my childhood friend, "Alexa" and so, Alexa found so much joy in dressing her up, combing her hair, playing with her imagination to build a story line in her head.
As a child, I always looked deeper into all the experiences in my life. It was a gift that I did not understand at the moment, but I was chosen. Now, she had the time of her life with the Barbie doll and honestly, the issue was... a connection.
Despite providing a space for others to feel comfortable around me, there were moments when I realized that certain activities or interests did not resonate with me in the same way they did for others.
When you picture a Barbie doll, how would you describe her?
Barbie is a globally recognized fashion doll known for her long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and stylish outfits. She typically stands around 11.5 inches tall with a slender, proportioned body.
Growing up as the "chubby" girlie in a friend group came with its own set of challenges and experiences. Feelings of self-consciousness and becoming more aware of my figure was a rollercoaster experience:
1. Difficulty fitting into the clothes that were popular in school.
2. Negative comments on my body figure from those around me.
And the list goes on and on.
Unlike the "popular figure" aka Barbie, this is the girlie I was at a young age:
Curly, thick brown hair with warm, brown eyes, vibrant personality, thicker figure and so much more.
I could not blame Alexa for playing with a Barbie doll because she connected with her, however, it did not feel right to align myself with an experience at a very young age. It may sound mind-blowing but I was self-aware in my own ways.
As the "chubby" friend, it felt like an outsider looking in, longing for the same connection my peers effortlessly shared with these figures. But in embracing my journey and understanding that there was more to life than what you look like, I discovered strength in my differences.
Your character, your aura, your purpose, how you make people feel...
Questions to think about:
- In what ways can we actively support and uplift individuals who may feel marginalized or overlooked within our social circles?
- Have you ever encountered moments where assumptions or stereotypes about body size have affected your interactions with others? If so, how did you address or overcome these challenges?
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed body shaming or negative comments based on appearance within your social circles? How do you think we can promote empathy and understanding to combat this behavior?
I'm a Barbie girl, in my Barbie world...
I'm a Barbie girl, in my Barbie world...
I'm a Barbie girl, in my Barbie world...
With Gratitude,
L I N I