I am a sweaty human. Walking, running, sitting at my desk - I’m sweating in some form. I’ve been this way my whole life. And I’ve been absolutely horrified embarrassed about it the entire time - which results in me being - more sweaty.
I actively apologize to people for being sweaty. I’ll make jokes about it to lighten my own insecurity about it. Sometimes I forget what I’m saying because I am distracted By wondering if anyone can tell if I’m sweating. My body just runs hot, sweaty and that’s the way sparkle Jesus made me.
And why in the world is that so embarrassing? Why am I apologizing for something that I cannot control?
You may have something about you that you’re wildly embarrassed about. Maybe you have acne. Big ears? Some people are gassy. The common denominator is that as a society we have labeled these things as embarrassments. We go to go to drastic efforts to hide them.
Look, nobody wants to feel different or identify as having less than favorable characteristics - but the truth is a lot of people have them. And a lot of people cannot control them.
Do I wish I was one of those adorable women who is cold and adorable and cute all the time? Even at the gym? I do. I unfortunately sweat like a pig in heat. And it’s not cute. It’s not adorable. But it is who I am. And it really isn’t anything to feel shame for.
Truly the things we are most self conscious about are usually a big deal to us. We draw attention to them with humor and hope to downplay them; which only ends up bringing them to attention.
Mom challenging you (and myself) to own your quirks. Don’t apologize for the way you were made. Refuse to own any shame that comes with things out of your control. Do what you need to do to feel comfortable with yourself, but don’t shrink yourself to fit into what society tells you is how you have to be.
Maybe don’t be gross, but don’t hide the parts of you that make you unique just because it makes someone else uncomfortable.
The world is a really weird and scary place. And there are enough things to worry about like healthcare and jobs and family and relationships - so cut yourself a break on the things you can’t control. It’s just not worth adding that stress to your day when you’re already trying to beat traffic, make the meeting, kill the presentation, feed the family and do it all while balancing healthy living.
So I’m sweaty, at least I’m a dope human being and I bring sparkle to the world. Perhaps I shouldn’t - sweat the small stuff! …I said it!