We love the way Lean Cuisine is using their brand power to promote celebrating a woman’s true worth. This post is written by me and sponsored by Lean Cuisine.
It was adolescence for me—when something shifted and how I valued myself no longer simply included how much fun I was having or how loved I felt. Unbeknownst to my mom, I checked out a stack of Seventeen magazines from the library, read them cover to cover, ripped out a few pages where no one would notice and started a supermodel folder that would slowly grow while my worth shrunk. I made new rules for myself based on the pictures I saved of girls who were prettier than me, and my goals now included straighter teeth, whiter teeth, tanner skin, clearer skin, nails that weren’t bitten, straighter hair, blond hair, longer hair and a number I memorized and can still recall—Niki Taylor’s weight when Seventeen interviewed her for an article that would leave a lasting impression on a young teen girl.
That ridiculous number became part of my value system, and even when I outgrew teen magazines and felt embarrassed about the blue folder stuffed with pictures of waifish girls and Cover Girl models, I hung on to it, applauding myself when I felt comparable and later in college, feeling less than for how my weight had changed. I gained, I lost, I ate, I ran, I binged, I starved and I climbed onto scales—the one in my bedroom at my dad’s house and the one under the counter in my grandma’s bathroom— to measure who I thought I was. And when you’re using fluctuating numbers to quantify precious immeasurable worth, here’s how it usually pans out: not good enough.
I don’t know exactly when it changed for me, but I do know that in between scale-stepping days and today, I discovered a lot of other ways to weigh myself. I found out that I would not crumble and die if I moved 1200 miles away from home on my own. I realized that I was a pretty good teacher and that pouring myself into creative lessons made me happy. I met friends, fell in love and observed my amazing body naturally change over time. I lost pregnancies, healed and welcomed three beautiful children—the way they value themselves a constant responsibility in these early worth-shaping years. I grieved over the news of a diagnosis, discovered deep truths about the power of perspective and learned more about the potential we each possess to use our voice and talents and love to help make someone else’s life better. I read more books and wrote more words and felt how both improved my outlook. And somewhere through all of it, I lost my scale. I can’t remember the last time I weighed myself with numbers.
The number game that starts with an Apgar score moments after we’re born snowballs into a quantitative mess where worth can get tangled up in meaningless numbers—standardized test scores, Facebook followers, Instagram likes, salaries, hits, weight and dress size—if we don’t fight to keep it free.
So WEIGH THIS:
I don’t know how much I weigh, but I know that I can write about 4 pages in my journal every morning, save 15 minutes of my day to talk to my sister, recognize 8 new words my daughter says and run 1 more block than I usually can today—because I’m feeling feisty—before stopping to catch my breath. I don’t know how much I weigh but I’ll tell you how good it felt to hold Nella in my lap this week in a cozy theater for a movie that lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes.
I know how many sea stars we collected the other night—11—before pushing them back out to sea and how many books I’ve saved to read this summer—more than I’ll probably get to. I understand that numbers in life fluctuate, and I accept that because I know I’m not a number, and I certainly want my children to know that they aren’t either.
So naturally, I love what Lean Cuisine is promoting right now: that women should be valued by their accomplishments instead of their appearances. Watch this.
Going to let a scale tell you what you’re worth? Hell no. We are so much more than that.
So what is it? What do you wish people would weigh you on besides your weight? What are you most proud of? Put it out there! Share what really matters to you with hashtag #WeighThis. I’ll collect some favorites and share your words in another upcoming post. Show your scale who’s boss.
What do I weigh?
I’m most proud of my self talk voice within that, over the past few years, has grown more powerful and steady. When I’m challenged, when I fail, when I feel insecure, scared, sad, unsure, this voice has some pretty good things to say and I’m listening more and more. I want the weight of that voice to grow stronger and louder—to tip the scale, and I’m proud of the way that’s happening.
Thank you Lean Cuisine for initiating such important conversation and for using your brand to celebrate the most meaningful things in life.
I can’t wait to hear how you all weigh in! #WeighTHIS
I’m proud of being a bad-Ass biological, adoptive and foster super mom. I’ve got 6 amazing kids in my house now, only 2 of which are born from my body.
It’s crazy and Many days I feel like I’m going insane. But I can lay my head down, at the end of the day, and know I’ve done SOMETHING that matters.
I am proud of the fact that my body is capable of creating life and then bringing that life into the world. I am proud that I am a damn good friend who is always willing to help out. I am proud that I love to read! I also love to write. I am proud that I am a reliable employee. There are so many things I am proud of, I know I am worth so much more than a number on a scale.
Where do I start? I’m most proud of my daughters, who are capable, compassionate and honorable young women. My oldest daughter made a new life for herself and her baby son when her husband of 5 years walked out. My younger daughter started a non-profit Shakespeare-in-the-Park company at the age of 24. I’m proud of myself for leaving a failed marriage and for not compromising ever again on a romantic relationship. I’m proud of my husband who works so hard and who always can make me laugh. I’m proud of my art and for my contributions to Beads of Courage, an arts-in-medicine program for children fighting serious illness.
After watching the “What Do You Weigh” spot, I noticed that there were no men in the spot. Well, these things happen to men also.
When I was 40 years old, I was working full time and just found out that I had a disability that would end my working career. At that time I was a single dad, raising a beautiful 12 year old daughter. After 20 years doing this one job, I could no longer perform my duties so my place of employment offered me another position that was on the night shift. If I took the new position it would be a huge cut in pay but I would be able to keep my home. The problem was that I would have to give up raising my daughter because of the work hours. I wouldn’t be home at night for her and would have to sleep during the day when she was home.
It was an easy decision for me. I love my daughter so much that nothing in this world could make me give her up. Life would be hard for a while and finding a new job at 40 was a lot harder than I thought it would be. We had to sell the home she grew up in but at least we were together.
Now my daughter is grown up, with a career of her own and I am going to be a grandfather for the first time very soon. My daughter and I have never been closer and I am very proud of the decision I made to stay with my daughter.
As many know, it’s not easy being a single parent but being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have. (at least until they become a teenager, lol…..)
Sincerely;
A Proud Dad
I am proud of the fact that I am coming into my own beliefs and own way of parenting. I always tried to fit a mold: Baptist, SAHM, Attachment Parent….
But I am me. I believe in things from all schools of thought, especially my own. And I am trying to instill this value of self into my 4 children. #weighthis
Yes! We recognize you too! You are amazing!!!
Now this is a post I can relate to. Sadly, I ALWAYS use the blasted scale to determine my self worth. Depending on the number, it will dictate my mood for the day. I hate it, I know this, yet it is a tough habit to break.
I am proud that I don’t let a diagnosis define me and that I will fight like hell for my health and the sanctity of my relationships. I am proud of my spunk and my kindness. I am happy that I’ve never let my thirst for learning and bettering myself through knowledge cease.
Beautiful post Kelle. I totally agree with you, those are the ONLY things you should be weighing. As you said, you’re proud of yourself and that’s the only thing that matters.
Ahhh..this post is what I needed, what I need to stick to my forehead everyday! For as ling as I can remember I have had a love hate relationship with the scale, with “that” number. It always defined how I felt about myself and at the age of 37, four kids later, it still does. It kindof makes me sick to hear myself say that. I love to workout, and run, but find a lot of my drive on days I wish I could just be lazy with my kids and relax, is “that” number. I pray that there will be a light bulb moment where I will realize that this way of measuring myself will eventually fade away. I want to continue to show my children to be active and fit and beautiful just the way they are! Especially for my girls who I pray never measure their worth by the number on the scale! So today and all the days ahead I want to measure myself by….the number of babies I have given life to-4. The number of months I nursed-approximately 56. The number of friends, true friends, the kind of friends you know will truly be there when you need them- 5. The number of half marathons I have run and each time have beet my previous time,y body and strength fuels that – 5. And finally because I have realized there are a lot of other numbers I can measure myself by by dont want to ramble on is the years I have been married -10 this year. Marriage is hard, but I wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you Kelley and lean cuisine for making an impact on me and my view of this number and all the other numbers we disregard!
Kelle – this is outstanding. What a statement.
#weighthis… I’ve survived!…cancer, divorce, & financial ruin. I started working on a college degree after being out of high school for 37 years & only have 4 more classes to go! I can’t wait to weigh that diploma!!! In the meantime, I’m weighing my 4.0 GPA!
I love this attitude. I really do. I have a daughter who is almost a year into recovery from Anorexia so I know how much this matters. Can I be angry that this is being brought to us my Lean Cuisine? Seriously! A product whose very name is the anthesis to the attitude they are promoting.
We will know that we have the attitude right when foods called Lean Cuisine don’t exist. When we are not faced by a calorie count on the front of every package we pick up. Until then we are lying to ourselves.
My relationship with God is first and foremost. Everything else falls into place after that.
Being a teen mom who finished college, went on to have 6 of the most amazing kids, and teaching full time. Staying married through the hard times and even harder times. Paying off all our looming debt and working our booties off to provide what our kids need and want.
I get the intention of this post, but you are a thin person. You don’t understand what it’s like to be truly overweight. Forget the number on the scale. I don’t want to see it. It doesn’t matter because I see it in the mirror everyday. I used to be a very thin person. My thyroid decided to stop working correctly. Everyday I eat 80 calories for breakfast, 200 for lunch and a reasonable dinner. I’m still overweight. I’m more than my weight, but when it stares you in the face despite every effort to lose it…it’s hard to ignore. It would be nice to feel good about myself, and even though it’s what’s inside that counts (which is awesome, by the way) I’d like to like what I see in the mirror.
I love this. So much.
I just had my third child. Thanks for the reminder that the only weight that matters right now is 7lbs, 8oz of amazing baby boy!
Awesome post!! The picture with your three children is beautiful! Thanks for sharing & writing! Always look forward to your blog posts!
Without letting it define you, knowing your weight within a few ponds every week could save your life. My husband was administered an extremely potent drug in the ER and his knowing his exact weight was crucial.
It’s just a number like your height, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar count. We should know the weight of our family members within a few pounds. If you always weigh the same at your doctor visit, great, you probably don’t need a home scale. But a digital weigh-in every week shouldn’t put anyone’s self esteem into a tailspin. It’s what you weigh and it’s important to know.
I have been the scale’s servant for much too long….when girls forget to be themselves and instead long to be everyone else. Comparisons become your new hobby and dissecting your new passion. It is a sad transformation and one I know well. I want to “step away from the scale” so that I can be measured in the way my son’s DS diagnosis has opened my own eyes to the real meaning of beauty. Instead let me be weighed by the laughter I share with others and the humor I bring to my own life. Please, let the scale show how I am weaving together words to: advocate, give loved ones a glimpse into my inside and letting go of the fear to speak my mind. Let my weight reflect the weight that has been lifted off of my shoulders when I really choose to be the real me….
Beth, I love this so much.
This was an awesome article! Love to read your writing! Thank you for speaking what many many woman have gone through & feel!!
How do you manage to capture yourself in the images you share? I have zillions of photos of my kids… but very few of ME with my kiddos. Any tips? How do you do it? Thanks Kelle