Wow, what a day!
I’d like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of support that I have received since the running of the article in MX yesterday, the numerous articles that have been floating around online today and the exclusive interview I did with Today Tonight.
The response has been very positive and I am so pleased to be able to represent not the bigger people who are discriminated against but everyone else who feels as though they are discriminated (for whatever reason) for their differences. Let’s face it, none of us are the same. And that’s the point I wanted to get across.
It’s funny how raising awareness to these sorts of things also invites those who this was directed at to make personal attacks on here. I have (and will) continue to delete any comments that are not constructive. I’m tempted to leave them up here so that people can read the reason as to why I raised this issue in the first place however, my blog is a positive place that a number of people visit to seek inspiration, motivation and support and I will make sure it remains that way.
My Children are so terribly proud of me. I was in a Taxi at the time the segment went to air and when I arrived home, we watched it together as a family. My 2 eldest Children are learning such a valuable lesson – to accept people for who they are and to stand up for what they believe in. My 10 year old came up and gave me a huge hug after the story and told me how proud he is of me. I am blessed to have such wonderful, healthy and happy children.
If you missed tonight’s story, you can follow this link and it will take you to it…
And if you’re interested in making a donation to my stair climb, click on the following. Your support is greatly appreciated. So far $1,115 has been raised for this fantastic cause :) it's in 14 days time - I'm very excited! Michael (my Personal Trainer who was on Today Tonight this evening) will be coming up with me along with Brendan (one of my mates from work who has been a great support over the past few months) and possibly a few others. It might end up being a little conga line up to the top. I'm really looking forward to it. Failure is not an option.
Although I don’t need to justify myself to any of my critics, those who know me (or people who take the time to research before commenting or judging) will know that I am a tax payer, my surgery was self funded and I am fortunate enough to have top Private Health Cover. All the information is at your finger tips :) I had my surgery on the 17th of November 2010 so, if you start reading my blog from last year, you’ll read all the nitty gritty about how I am lucky enough to not suffer things such as diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease – all of the things that you are vulnerable to when you are at such a huge weight.
Thank you to Lynda from Today Tonight for putting such a wonderful story together. I really appreciate it and thank you to her wonderful crew – I was lucky enough to spend the day with some fantastic people. Also thank you to Erin from MX for taking the interest in my story. Thank you my wonderful friends and family – I am blessed to have so many supportive, loving and accepting people in my life. And thank you to the wonderful people who have given such wonderful feedback. Your stories and honesty are inspiring. I feel honoured to be in such a position.
It's a funny feeling knowing that this story was the 2nd top viewed in the Country today. I'm just a fat chick trying to make a difference. And I hope I have :)
It's a funny feeling knowing that this story was the 2nd top viewed in the Country today. I'm just a fat chick trying to make a difference. And I hope I have :)
And to the 28 messages in my Voicemail – you’ll have to wait until tomorrow as I’m going to bed!
If you do want to get in touch with me, my Email address is movingforwardlookingforward@gmail.com
If you do want to get in touch with me, my Email address is movingforwardlookingforward@gmail.com
Steph xo
You truly are an inspirational person.
ReplyDeleteOh Steph, this whole thing has made me cry with joy!! You are brave and strong and I am sure there are a lot of other 'larger' people out there who appreciate you speaking out when they haven't had the strength to do the same themselves, me included! The fact that people feel they have the right to call names and discriminate is appalling, and that they get away with it is totally disgusting. The shining example you set for your children and the hope you give so many others is inspirational. Kobi loves me reading your blog to her, and hearing things like the Mx articles, you inspire her to keep going with her own weight loss challenge. I am proud to know you, and love watching your progress.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you have to travel to/from that it costs you $11 a ticket? That seems ridiculously expensive.
ReplyDeleteI have a daily full fare for Zone 1 and 2 which is $11. Yes, very costly!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph,
ReplyDeleteI read you post in the MX early this afternoon and i felt so awful I can't believe that you have to deal with people like that! all I wanted to do was give you hug and I have no idea who you are. I know that being over weight isn't accepted by many people in todays society regardless the last thing you deserve is people who who bully you on your way into the train. its disgusting people like that should really take a look in the mirror because if they're treating you like that very clearly they have some issues of their own. Keep up the good work! your a real inspiration :D Amber
Spine straight, head held high, new balls shining proudly - just like your friends!! <3 ya lots!!
ReplyDeleteThe other evening I was at the train station at peak hour and there was a blind man on the other side of the platform walking with his cane. He stopped suddenly and was obviously stuggling against the rush of people. I was so angry that no one would help him. Instead people were just pushing past, ignoring his very existence. Then another man in office clothes and a briefcase walking in the same direction linked his arm with the blind man and guided him out to the barriers, chatting to him on the way. I know it's tough being different, but don't lose faith in people. Regardless of how many horrible, small-minded jerks there are out there in the world there is always going to be a man in office clothes and a briefcase proving that some human beings still are wonderful, thoughful people. You seem like such a kind hearted woman. I wish you all the best in your weightloss journey and thank you for bringing this to my attention, I never knew people could be so unkind.
ReplyDeleteSteph, I am so incredibly proud of you. You are such an inspiration to many people. I know what a journey you've been through hun and I pray that you continue to strive to get the end result that you are after because you of all people deserve to be happy. I wish I was there to give you big hugs babe. I get so emotional just thinking of how proud I am of you. Love you xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYour kids should be proud Steph, what u have done is amazing... You haven't just helped yourself, you have helped hundreds and now thousands, even without knowing how much I bet... I for one thank you. :D
ReplyDeleteHello Stephanie, Thank you for what you are doing for people who appear 'different '. I am in a wheelchair can only travel in limited places on public transport. I sometimes get looks in peak hour but nothing like you have experienced. I am so sorry good luck
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Don't listen to the fatists!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, I was really touched by your story and want to show my admiration for you standing up to people who have blinkers on and can't see behind people's weight.
ReplyDeleteI am over 120kg myself and have been discriminated against by many people, including members of my own family. I am a divorced mum of two and I want to lose the weight not just for health issues but to change my life for the better. I want to find love, I want to be comfortable in my own skin, and to buy nice clothes.
There are many things I want to do in my life and I haven't let my weight stop me so far, and this is the message I want to give you. Lose the weight if you want to but don't allow people's hangups about weight alter who you are or make you feel bad about yourself.
I have been put down countless times about my weight but it hasn't stopped me achieving thiings. I have completed an Accounting Diploma at TAFE, worked in accounting jobs for over 25 years, got married and had two kids, and now I'm temping for an employment agency as an accounts clerk, which brings me into contact with new people on a regular basis.
Next year I'm starting my uni degree in the Arts area because I'm planning to be a teacher. Whether I lose weight or not, I am not going to judge myself on the number of kilos that show on the scales, that figure is irrelevant to whether I am intelligent or a good person.
Please tell me you're only losing the weight because you want to and not because people are putting their hangups on you so you won't get teased. They can get stuffed, they're so two-dimensional these people
Cheers,
PH
Hey Steph
ReplyDeleteJust watched the TT story - good on you for telling it like it is. I still don't understand how laws regarding discrimination haven't been amended to include discrimination against fat people.
Good luck with your stair climb, it's an awesome challenge and it sounds like you are really starting to get some good donations now! As a survivor of cancer, I thank you for what you are doing to contribute to cancer research :)
Finally, your personal trainer is freaking HOT! No wonder you look forward to hanging out with him! hehehehe
You've got a great attitude! dont let other peoples issues get to you, its says a hell of a lot more about whats going inside of them then whats going on inside of you! they are obviously insecure with themselves to try and put others down to make themselves feel better. Remember people who hate what they see in others usually hate it because they see what ever they dislike in themselves. Keep doing what your doing girl and do it for you!!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Steph. The whole country and probably a good swathe of the virtual world is going to come by your blog today in the same way I did - Yahoo News! And I'm glad I did. There is such a stigma to weight and whilst I am not dealing with the same severity as you, I've found myself back at my heaviest weight again 9 years after losing it. Those people who comment are not only insensitive but lack any sense of being able to see the world from the shoes of the Other, to consider their plight.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Have you thought about putting a donation widget on the sidebar so you don't have to keep adding the link to every post?
I'm going to add you to my reader (note, I am an erratic blog reader and commenter, but I'll be there!) and lose weight with you. I'm going to suggest your blog to others and I'm going to lose the 15 kg by Christmas that will make me feel a bit better. It's not the final goal, but it's one that I feel is achievable and a healthy rate of weight loss. Keep pointing out the nay-sayers and bigots so that they can learn that discrimination is not acceptable. Best wishes and safe travels to you.
Just realised you don't have the option to add your blog to a reader. Please add one!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you train? Can I see your trainer? He is hot. I'd exercise for him. I don't exercise for my trainer at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSamantha I agree. He is so hot.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comments. I shall respond to some of them over the weekend.
Watershedd - how do I add a Widget and a reader option? Not very blogspot savvy! lol.
I train at Genesis in Melton. I've been there for almost a year and they are fantastic. Michael is a wonderful trainer. He is very professional and has helped me reach some wonderful milestones. If you're interested in training with him, you'd need to contact the Gym directly however, I know that he is very busy and am unsure if he is able to take on new Clients and if this is the case, he will put you in touch with another one of their fantastic trainers.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone :)
Steph xo
You are amazing. Such an inspiration. So brave and a lovely person.
ReplyDeleteHi! I met you this morning at the Newsagent. You are SO nice. I forgot to ask for an autograph! Thank you for the photo. Was so nice to meet you xx
ReplyDeleteQuestion:Do really fat people do really BIG Poo Poos?
ReplyDeleteAren't you concerned that you will get more taunts now that you have "gone public?" And what about your kids? Won't they be at a higher risk of taunts too now? I think it's great you have lost so much weight. Well done.
ReplyDeleteOK, it's been a while since I used Blogger, so bear with me. I'm a WP girl now! The "Help" menu at the top right of the screen when you login has a whole host of information. Take a look at "Feeds & Syndication" under the header "Share your blog" for a means to get a Feed and RSS started.
ReplyDeleteAs for the donation widget, I'll get back to you. That's something that I'll have to ask one of the other bloggers about.It's not something I've done myself, but it's not that hard, I don't think. Lots of the Mummy Bloggers do it. I'll ask around.
HAHAHA
ReplyDeleteMichael is pretty HOT Steph tells me alot!!
Ashley that is a beautiful story!! It does take that one person to make someones day, I bet both of them were talking about each other FOR ages and make others talk too.
Steph you are so amazing and I love you and I am so proud of what you have done and I am amazed that your kids are not concerned that you are out there getting your point across, they are so supportive of you and appreciate what you are doing for not only your self but for them too!!