I never expected a simple article to cause such a public outcry. I’ve been called fat, I’ve been called ugly, I’ve been called every name you can imagine over the years. It’s something journalists become accustomed to. While our looks shouldn’t play a factor, it appears to be the basis on whether we can do our job well…at least according a select few on the internet. After sharing with the world that a viewer called me fat, I never expected the outpouring of support that I received. I spent several hours reading through more than 400 comments and messages and I’ve come to the conclusion that what we look like on the outside does not define who we are on the inside. It all comes down to being comfortable in your own skin and learning how to love yourself.
When I wrote the article, “You Are Fat”, I wasn’t fishing for compliments. I am proud of the person I’ve become and my curvy body shows my story: I am a mother with stretch marks, plenty of dents and child bearing hips. I created three tiny humans at the same time, I am a survivor of child loss, and I have learned how to balance work and home, all while dabbling in plenty of blogging. In other words, I have enough confidence that I can handle the criticism that comes with being a public figure on television. But, what I wasn’t expecting was how powerful your words would be and the impact that it would have on my life.
I have read every single message and comment that has been sent my way and I found a common theme. Several supporters told me I am beautiful on both the inside and out. After reading that over and over again, it started to resonate with me. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and what’s on the outside doesn’t define who we are on the inside.
Another person commented, “When we are gone, our legacy is all that is left of us.” It’s so true. No one is going to remember if I wore a hideous suit jacket on television, which I regretted the following day. No one is going to remember the few months when I didn’t have time to work out, so I couldn’t get rid of that 5 extra pounds of baby weight. Many of us spend too much time thinking about the superficial things in life, and those are the things that will be forgotten down the road. I’m one of the biggest culprits of this. With a career that includes image consultants and talent coaches, it’s my job to look the part as I report the news. But, at the end of the day, I want to be known as a good journalist and a good mother. Beauty is only skin deep.
Among the hundreds of comments, was a simple reminder of the person I have become. A viewer wrote, “You are an example to all women and young girls who hope to do something meaningful in life, as you have.” As I fought back the tears, I thought of my children. I thought of my miracle daughter, Peyton, and her two angels in heaven. And I thought of the difficult and heartbreaking moments where I put my life on display for the world to see. When I began blogging, I wanted to keep one promise: be honest and true to myself. After reading that comment, I knew that I accomplished this.
When I think of what I want to be remembered for, it’s a legacy of strength, love and resilience. I want my daughter to not only feel beautiful, but I want her to feel strong and have self confidence. And that begins with me being a positive role model. As I was reminded from the outpouring of support, for every one negative comment I receive, there are hundreds of positive ones that are far more important. As long as I love myself, my daughter will follow in my footsteps.
To read the original article, click the link: “You Are Fat – News Anchor Responds To Hurtful Comments”
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Stacey, I am speechless that someone would call you fat. I despise that word. You are one of the most beautiful people I know inside and out. People can be so cruel with their words. I am so sorry you had to endure someone’s stupidity. Thank you for putting yourself and your life out there for all of us. You are truly an inspiration to so many. Hi Miss Peyton!! ❤️❤️
I think you look great some need to get away from their desks
This was a really beautiful post- thank you for sharing! I am so glad I found your blog!! XO
I don’t see you being fat you are a mom. I am a mom of eight and I don’t have a body even close to yours I am stuck at 200 pounds and my last kid wants four years ago. Doctor and I have tried everything and I am always running around moving all day till bed! People who think a tooth pick size body is pretty is stupid it’s not! I love you girl and hope you are having a wonderful time in California!
Love this so hard. I think sometimes we hear a negative comment and it can steal all the joy from the many more positive responses we receive. That’s something I struggle with. Omitting the negative from my brain and focusing on the positive amount of love and support staring me in the face. Thank you for reminding me to shift my focus.
Beautifully written! Your confidence in inspiring. As a mom of girls, I worry that my insecurities will find their way into the lives of my girls. I fight daily to keep the insecurities at bay and show my girls a positive role model. Thank you for being you! Your Peyton is quite blessed.
I know you don’t need another person to tell you that you are NOT fat, only you can decide whether that’s true or not. What I can tell you is that you hadled this whole situation so beautifully. Seeing the good in it & accepting the kindness & truth about how others perceive you with such grace. You clearly have so many who stand behind you & if anything, sometimes it’s just nice to be reminded of that.
It really upsets me thats people on tge internet cN be so cruel. You are absolutely not fat. I think so many times the media shows us and our children that only rail thin women are beautiful. Sometjmes there is more to someone than their looks, being a hard worker, talented, and loving are more than how you look.
I LOVE what your commenter said about our legacy! That’s so powerful, and I’m sure it will be rolling around in my head a lot. Thank you for the thought food! 🙂
Some people are just plan stupid when it comes to hurting others feelings. You are a wonderful kind person and I enjoy your post and pictures of sweet Peyton so much. we all may something so people don’t like but they should keep their comments to themselves . Keep up all the good you are doing for all of us and keep all the blogs coming. And by the way you are far from being fat.
I’m stuck here reading what was said about you,and looking at your pictures. You look beautiful, and your figure looks perfect. I believe your a beautiful person inside and out just by reading your words. Most of all I’m sorry for your lost, I to know how it feels to lose babies at birth. And then have a miracle baby. Even though my miracle is now 17, he was born at 23wks,and weighted 1.6 pds.I praise your words, and wish you all the best. Like I tell my children, bullies are lonely people on the inside,and we must pray for them as well .. Best Wishes…
Stacey, thank you for sharing your story! I agree with other comments…your confidence is inspiring! As the mother of a little girl myself, I have the same hopes and fears you describe. Thank you for being a role model for girls and moms everywhere! You ARE a beautiful lady inside and out! Peyton is so blessed to have such a thoughtful, loving, strong Mommy!