Packaging, Attitude, and Personality

"I am allowed to look sexy, feel sexy, and be in love. I am worthy of all of those things, and so are you."

-- Unknown

I have published many posts on this topic and, occasionally, I feel it needs a bit of reinforcing, lest we forget.

Since I was very young and had female friends who were, what others would call, "large Marge's," I have always been critical of how other's viewed them and, as follows, how they viewed themselves.  I had a good friend who was with me from when we were nine years old, through our high school graduation, and into my first tour in the military.  We lost touch for a bit, but she's still out there; I still hear from her.  Her weight never held her back from being the life of any party.  She was very popular.  What was her secret?  I think it was all about the packaging, attitude, and personality.

Now, when I say I was critical of how large women view themselves, I'm addressing those women who don't seem to care about how they look.  They're large, they know it, they know others know it, so why try?  They wear a tent, flats, no makeup, and their hair is a horror story.  Good job, if your intent is to scare any "quality" relationship well away from you.  They're not concerned about packaging, due to a poor attitude, and both of those will probably have an effect on their personality., either shy, could care less, or abrasive  But, then, there are the women who really know how to work it.  They care, and it shows.  It shows because they work it to great benefit  To quote a trope used in popular culture, "She cleans up nicely."  I'd be willing to bet that originated down here in Southern culture.

There are plus-size women's and men's clothing sections in most stores now.  I've walked through them and, for the most part, the clothes are just as nice, albeit larger, as what a more petite person would wear.  So, it made me wonder why more women don't try.  Made me wonder.  Times are a-changing twenty years into the 21st century.  My old friend was 45 years ahead of her time.  More and more women seem to be trying.  They are discovering behind that "sow's ear" facade is a Gucci purse waiting to show off.

All this being said, there is still a negative health issue that being overweight poses for many people.  Well, I'm one of those people who feel the best way to do better at anything is through positive reinforcement.  Why should willpower be any different?  Many women, and men, are now looking to surgery as a way to "kickstart" or upgrade their lifestyle change.  My hat is off to all of them.

There are still those who look in the mirror every morning and wonder, "WTF?"  If you don't like what you see, change it.  You really don't have to settle, unless there is an underlying health issue preventing it, otherwise, it is your choice.  Until you find your way to a healthier lifestyle, start with your packaging, attitude, and personality.  If you don't have money, try Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Those women who found their way probably gave those stylish plus-sized clothes to those in need.  You can learn to do your own hair and makeup, most quality department stores have a makeup specialist to assist.  This is all about "packaging" what you have to work with. 

Your new packaging is already evidence of your new "can do" attitude, so don't look back, ever.  Do yourself a favor and take "before and after" photos.  If you're with a significant other already, don't tell them what you're doing, surprise them with the "new" you.  That jaw-dropping look you get might be followed by a "G-- damn!"  I say this because a woman I currently know jokes about waiting for that remark as she walks through clubs.  What fun!  At this point in the transformation, you should find yourself smiling, and smiling is all about personality change.  You'll be doing much more of that smiling, and this is a good thing.  This is a great thing!  

Now, go out there and show off the new you.  Don't be afraid to step out there, away from the wall of flowers, and be the light for others.  Have some fun!  Show off the new you and work on being the life of the party.  Tomorrow you can work on getting healthy.  Crawl before you walk and, until then, eat ribs and fried catfish.

Of course, this is just my opinion and the League of the Perpetually Offended will probably rake me over the coals for it.  What's new?  I'll be willing to bet not one of them is plus-sized, so they can't really identify.  Going on 66 years of age, I'm developing a gut.  No love handles, I'm just arriving at the finish line before my feet.  I have pattern baldness and, otherwise, thinning hair where it still exists.  Yet, I'm happy always!  I used to run to the "big girls" for protection until I bulked up.  Bulking up was going to take way too long and required weight lifting, so I took martial arts, instead.

Long ago, before my inevitable shape change, my father taught me how to package what I have.  Around that packaging of sartorial perfection, I built a great attitude about myself and about my life, and, in all modesty, I developed a killer, albeit humble, personality that I hide behind today.

I still know a few women who really work what they have to great benefit.  They are absolutely beautiful, in both mind and body.  I'd probably still run to them for protection.   

But, what do I know?

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.