The first time I heard the word phat was in the late 1990’s in a high school English honors class. We were studying semantics – the play on words – when a classmate raised his hand and said, “Hey yo, Ms. Fowler, so like this: you a phat teacher.”
The whole class gasped. We had only heard fat, not phat, and well, Ms. Fowler wasn’t fit and trim.
He went on to explain the semantics and current usage of the word phat and it was fascinating. I fell in love with the word in that very moment and have made efforts to be as phat as possible, especially now that I’m a mom.
It’s been a blast partnering with Payless Shoesource this Spring. In a very real way, they’ve helped me focus on the parts of my wardrobe and attitude that are phat: chill, confident and rocking what you’ve got. These Cognac Block Heels are errrrthing, as they provide just the perfect amount of umph without being so precious that I can’t chill with my boy at the park. I’m a Phat Mom when I wear these cute shoes.
3 Ways I Battle Body Image Issues As A Mom
For as inspired as I am to be a “phat mom” and model healthy body image to my daughter, it’s not easy to authentically resonate that message to a kid who’s watching my every move. I’m telling you, she’s got me on her radar!
In order to actually battle the body image issues that have haunted me for so long and sincerely model a positive relationship with it for my daughter, there are a few secrets I employ. Here are 3 of them…
1. I started getting in the photograph: You won’t find many selfies on my social media accounts and, while I’m not crazy about the quality of front-facing cameras, I admit my body image probably has more to do with it. As I’ve been getting into pictures more, there is a big reason why this practice has helped with body image issues: I see myself! I love the editing part of photography because I see so many details that are otherwise missed: a little boy’s dimple, his little calf muscle as he tip toes to kiss his mama…. even the remnants of her once stealth legs, earned from decades of a sport that made up her identity. Who said moms can’t appreciate their bodies for what it is and who they once were because of it?
2. I started dressing my reality: Phat Moms rock their looks, even when they aren’t quite feeling it. They fake it till they make it. In order to accomplish that, this full figured mom on-the-go need stores like Payless, which make it easy to shop in-store to find any on-trend style that fit my budget. I need my wardrobe to make me feel good, but at a price that is in-line with my reality as a mom.
With Spring time here, I’m really digging this mom uniform of flowy shirts and loose-fitting, patterned shorts with these Payless Platform Heels in cognac. The block heel are perfect for most occasions (such as my biweekly MOM’s group, where I like to dress up a little). It features a durable upper with adjustable ankle strap and a comfortable 1 inch heel.
3. I stopped complaining and making jokes about my body: Phat Moms are confident, so this secret seems like a given. Ideally I would even be doing the opposite and speaking positively about myself, but I’m notorious for cracking jokes/talking trash about things that make me feel inadequate. Not only did this behavior stop in front of my kid, as a Phat Mom, it is no longer a part of my vernacular.
Phat Moms are chill moms; they look fly because they’re happy, which is the ultimate accessory. Neither of those things directly have anything to do with your body size. A great block heel, cute shorts and a little boy who wants nothing more than to swing with his mama, and this Phat Mama has got all she needs.
This post is sponsored by Payless. Thanks for supporting the brands that support our voices.
No Comments