Judy Bagshaw - continued

M2H - Contending with society's definition of the body beautiful is not so easy when you're a person of size.. How do you deal with this?

Judy - Whew, this is not easy! I work hard at it every single day. Some days I succeed and some days I fail, but I work doggedly every day.
Part of my strategy is to surround myself with positive people. A long time ago, I realized I was allowing myself to get sucked into negative toxic friendships or relationships. Once the realization hit that I was being damaged by them, I eliminated any toxic elements out of my life that I could. It made a huge difference in terms of my self-esteem.
Then I made a point of educating myself. I didn't have to buy into the hype out there. NAAFA was hugely influential in this department. They provided so much information I needed. Since finding them I've deliberately kept involved in the size acceptance movement. I try to attend conventions where I can get a self-esteem shot in the arm every now and again. I search the WWW looking for size related sites, books, groups, etc. And of course, I myself, write stories with large sized heroines and positive messages.
Maturity has helped a lot with how I deal with issues as well. I'm finding that, in general, I don't take things as personally as I once would have. I recognize the ignorance fuelling the bigotry and either set out to educate or eradicate. And if I can't do either, I write a story and exorcise the demons that way.

M2H - What about your attitudes? When did you realize that it's OK to be the way you are?

Judy - It took me until I was 28 to finally be able to look in the mirror and like what I see. And it is something that I work at consciously still every day. Some days are definitely better than others, but in general, I think I can honestly say, I like who I am and I appreciate my own style of beauty.

M2H - What advice would you pass on to others about being successful and or achieving your goals?

Judy - Don't let others dictate the direction of your life. You don't have to settle for less than what brings you satisfaction or gives you joy. If you have a dream, pursue it with all your might. Never say never. And if someone says you can't, work hard to prove them wrong!

Continue....

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