I wasn’t going to post about this, but I don’t think the person I’m referring to reads my blog, and if they do, well, it’s their own fault for doing what I’m about to discuss.
I don’t post a ton on my personal Facebook page, but when I do, it’s often in reference to races (or funny animal videos, which is the purpose of the internet). And this includes photos of me in race gear. For triathlons, that means spandex. Spandex is the great equalizer. I don’t know that anyone really looks great in spandex. Okay, there are some people. But the average human being doesn’t look stellar.
And you know what? No one cares. At a triathlon, no one is judging you for how you look in your kit. (Unless you look fabulous. Then we’re probably envious.) Triathlon has been great for my body image. Yes I have some unsightly bulges that perhaps should be smaller. But I just hauled those bulges through a tough race and I deserve all the accolades coming my way (even if they’re just in my own head).
So at some point in the not so distant past, there was a photo of me in my cute pink Team Coeur kit on my Facebook page. My hair was a disaster and I probably had dirt on my face, but I was grinning and having a grand time. I thought it was a good pic.
And then I got the message.
A “friend” messaged me to tell me that she had seen my pictures and wanted to offer me a deal on some great slimming wraps to help improve my shape. She just knew that these would help me out a lot, and since there was a sale going on, it was the perfect time to buy.
Now if that’s not a hit to the self-esteem, I don’t know what is. I’m so glad to know that people are reading my Facebook page and judging what I look like and deciding “Hey, that girl looks like she could lose some inches. Let’s try to get her to buy some product I’m selling!”
Plus, let’s be real here. Those things do not work. I don’t care what anyone says. Slimming wraps have no real effect. Will they dehydrate you and temporarily reduce your waistline? Sure. But we’re talking extremely temporarily. Like less than a day temporarily. Like “drink a glass of water and it’s gone” temporarily. So, you know, if you’re about to go out and do a bikini photo shoot, by all means! These things are for you!
But if you’re looking for a true change in your body, one that lasts? There is no magic pill. No wrap or cream or pill is going to make you smaller. I know, the ads are compelling. All the before and after pictures make you want to try it out. But it’s not worth it. What works is hard work and dedication.
We would all love that magic pill to solve all of our problems. But the biggest problem is that we spend all of our time hunting for it instead of working towards real solutions.
I feel like people that get sucked into pyramid scheme things like this are the real ones with self esteem issues.
Nothing on earth beats your smile and your tenacity on race day. I’ve seen it in real time, first person, and it is inspiring. If you feel like changes need to be made to anything about you, that’s up to you and you alone, for you to disclose or not, and not some person trying to make a buck off of your potential vulnerabilities. Just don’t change too much about your awesome self, k? <3
This makes me outraged! Honestly, who says that to someone? Clearly someone who doesn’t understand anything about being human. If we could only look at each other souls instead of the outside world, what a different world it would be!
You look great the way you are and I admire your confidence and strong sense of self. You rock, and don’t you ever forget it! 🙂
Kim Westrich recently posted…MCM Training Week 15
Let’s just say I’m glad you put “friend” in quotes. Ugh.
Tai Fung recently posted…2015 Cherry Blossom Volunteer Report
Wow, that’s so incredibly rude that a “friend” would send you that bullshit. I’m sorry, and you are SO right. That shit does NOT work!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger recently posted…Really? Me?
From what I can tell and based on the photos I’ve seen of you, you look like a beautiful, positive, and radiant person! It can be really hard to deal with these types of self-esteem attacks but it’s so nice to be a part of this online community where we can connect with others who are going through similar circumstances. I was “skinny” towards the end of high school but gained a lot of weight throughout college. Even though I’ve got plenty more weight to lose, I’m healthier now than I’ve been in a long time.
Meagan recently posted…Spencerville Family 5k Run/Walk Recap
Wow, I have no words other than that you seem to be a strong and confident woman and no products are necessary. People that profess to be “friends” and make these kind of comments are not the kind that deserve to be in your corner.
Pam and Christine recently posted…Where in the world is Christine the blogger?
Want me to punch them in the face? I’ll do it! I’ll do it now!
Chrissy recently posted…Rockin’ Rocks: Crunchie Rocks
I love that you wrote this post! Thank-you! I had a similar experience (except it was diet “shakes” that my “friend” was sure I would love) I don’t understand how this seems like a good idea to message certain people (in my case it was a group of us) to tell us how much we may like this product. I think it would have been less insulting to send it to everyone. Either way, I love what you have to say. Too true…there is not “magic” pill!!