TGIF all!
On Wednesday I stumbled across this great post from Black Girl Fly “I’m Not Sorry For Traveling While Fat” and it struck a deep cord within me. For the past 10 years I have been fortunate enough to travel to multiple counties such as Great Britain, Brazil and Grand Cayman. Never once was my weight an issue when it came to travel. My only travel hindrance was who would go with me and if I had enough Xanax to get through the flight! Even when I hated my body, I still traveled. Traveling makes me extremely happy and content. The night before a vacation, I’m too excited to sleep. Once I land at my destination, I cant wait to get off the plan to explore what that country has to offer.
My deep love of travel comes from my mother Betty who passed away in 1999. Prior to her death, my mom (who was also a plus sized woman) traveled to multiple countries. Never once did I hear her complain about her size and travel. My mom would ask for a seat belt extension and keep it moving! She didn’t let her size stop her from seeing the world. My mom was adamant that her children not allow our color and size to stop us from taking advantage of life. Whenever I go away I always say to myself “Mommy would have have loved this”. I travel in her memory and to keep her spirit alive inside me.
I completely understand there are plus size women who are afraid to travel because of their size. I get it because I used to fear travel too but something inside me one day said “STOP IT!”. Fear is a bitch and I still have my struggles but I won’t let it stop me from seeing the world. Our size doesn’t determine our worth as a person. I’m not going to stop living my life because of fear of what someone might think about me. I have absolutely no control over their opinion. What I do have control over is me and I refuse to let anything get in the way of my need to travel.
So Morocco, Spain and South Africa get ready….you’re next on my list!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I love it!! This post is by far my favorite. Keep doing you!!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
LOVE THIS POST!! KEEP IT UP AS YOUR MOTHER IS SO PROUD 🙂
LOVE THE SUIT AS WELL. DEETS PLEASE 🙂
Author
Thank you so very much! The swimsuit is from Swimsuits For All but I got it back in 2013
Hey beautiful! What a wonderful and inspiring post! I went on my first out of the US trip (to the Dominican Republic) a couple of weeks ago and it was such a breakthrough for me. I’m terrified and I MEAN TERRIFIED to fly and the thought of having to ask for a seatbelt extension on top of that might kill me- or so I thought. It actually wasn’t that bad. The flight attendant was extremely nice and discreet. And I didn’t even need one on the flight back! Honestly, I did pay for an upgrade to First Class and that made the difference for me but now that I know how being on a plane is, I can possibly not pay that extra fee but it sure was nice. LOL So, these days I’m feeling pretty good about my recent accomplishments! lol My first flight while fat, visiting another country and even wearing a bathing suit in public! lol
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YAY!!! I’m so happy for you! I’m so glad you conquered your fear & have begun to travel! Once you start you’ll never want to stop!
I love this! Like you, whenever I experience something new, I think how much my mother would love this. In fact our first cruise was literally months before she passed. She always said she was going to take a cruise before she died. We didnt know it would be so soon after but i’m so happy we did it!
As for flying, sometimes I need a seat belt extender and sometimes not. Im not afraid to ask and recently read where plus size blogger, Jessica Kane, mentioned she carries her own extender. Think I might purchase one. Being 6’3″ I bite the bullet and upgrade for the leg room, I swear plane seats are getting smaller! But life is too short to let size keep you from experiencing new places and things. I’m hoping to travel over seas for the first time in the near future!
You are going to LOVE South Africa!
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I can hardly wait!!!!
Your mother was one dynamite woman. I love her message to you and wish I was as brave about traveling alone. Maybe someday!
Love this post!