Sunday is market day in our neighborhood. The house was very empty after the holiday, so I went shopping. I didn’t have any cash with me; I was going to withdraw money from the ATM in front of the house, but I forgot and found myself in front of the market. The market isn’t very close to home either. I was quite upset with myself for forgetting to withdraw money. There was a shopping mall very close by, but going in and out of a mall takes 15 minutes anyway, but since there was nothing else to do, I went in. It seems I was meant to go into that shopping mall to write this post. That’s what gave rise to this.

You know, in my post three weeks ago about “You’ve gained weight, you’ve lost weight,” I wrote about body image. Lately, I’ve been really focused on this because I keep noticing something. I’m actually very happy with myself and my appearance, but I’m always trying to be thinner, more shapely, or whatever else, just to please others. If I’m happy with how I look, why am I constantly trying to change it? My body is my body, and if I’m happy with it, why am I unhappy because of what others will think? Because we were taught that 90-60-90 models and Barbie dolls were gorgeous. We were all supposed to be so thin and tall. While this was ingrained in our subconscious, both the media and our own environment constantly criticized us. Every time we met, the only topic of conversation became, “Oh, you’ve gained weight,” or “Oh, you’ve lost weight.” Thus, we gradually became obsessed with our bodies and appearance.

Now I’m returning to the shopping mall. While withdrawing money from the ATM, an advertisement for one of the chain gyms suddenly caught my eye. Under a huge picture of a woman’s leg, it read:

The fitter you are,

The more you are.

For a moment, I thought I was misreading it. I read it over and over again. The fitter you are, the more you are? Is my fitness level the only measure of “me” in this life? Will my self-worth increase as my fitness level increases? What about my loving heart, my soul, my love for animals, my values, my education, my job, my relationships…? I am truly myself through these things, not through my body image or fitness level. There couldn’t be a more unfortunate, more terrible motto. This advertisement stumbled upon me by chance and ignited a spark for me. There are many advertisements/companies like this. I will expose them as I see and hear about them.

Okay, I’m 40 years old now. My actions and aspirations are more solid and clear. These kinds of things don’t affect me much anymore, but I’m seeing so many young girls with eating disorders and obsessive weight, and I feel so sorry for them. Isn’t it a shame that people are getting sick because of your advertising strategies? Thin people try to be even thinner, overweight people become depressed, and those of normal weight constantly try to lose weight. What does this lead to? Miracle diets, starvation, and diets based on chemically-laden drinks from certain companies, without eating real food. The result is sick bodies and souls.

My dear sisters and friends… Please don’t let these advertising strategies damage your beautiful souls. We are all so much more than the numbers on the scale. We have delicate souls and loving hearts. Continue to nourish yourselves with real food. Don’t neglect your vegetables and fruits. Eliminate sugar and packaged foods from your lives. Be active. Exercise, but not to be “you,” but to be healthy. After doing all this, you will see how beautifully your body will reach its desired state. Just love yourself and your body.

I wish everyone healthy, happy, and sugar-free days.

Sema Özpekmezci