Going through photos for my last Reel brought up all the feelings. I'd bet this song speaks to a lot us of all ages and sizes. And frankly I'm sure there's a companion piece for men to be written, though we know that eating disorders disproportionately affect women, and in recent years they discovered there's a neurological component to this reality. Never-the-less, eating disorders are on the rise in adolescent boys and men. Whoever we're talking about, I've never liked the over-correction of diet culture and size inclusivity that sometimes happens - and it popped out for a second with the line, "selling skin and bones with big boobs" - because I don't think attacking anyone's body is helpful. I've never thought that big girls get to corner the market on feeling deeply insecure in our bodies. However, there's a sisterhood of women who grew up in a time when being taller and bigger in our teen years made walking into stores meant for us, and not being able to find things to wear. I'm talking about being a women's size 8/10, which was totally appropriate for a 5'8" girl. And that consistent messaging that we didn't belong, on top of what we already were getting, did some damage. At least it did for me. Literal years of being obsessed with dieting and food that flew under the radar because of both the overt and tacit acceptance in our culture. I had no business buying a South Beach Diet book in 8th grade, or starting Weight Watchers in 9th (and then again and again and again). It wasn't until I was finally getting treatment for my postpartum anxiety and OCD that my past eating behaviors were given a name - anorexia. And my present one did too - binge eating disorder. This is obviously a bigger conversation, and is now an ongoing journey of mine to make peace with food, while also acknowledging the role it plays in overall health. The whole experience - from not fitting into Limited Too and Delia's, to the first breakdown in an Abercrombie dressing room, to helping support the present day efforts of brands trying to extend the sizes they offer, so that they reflect and serve the average American shopper - this is a big part of my why.