Have you seen the advert on the telly where women bang on about “This is me!”
Well this is me, just a woman.
So what do you see? An overweight lady with tension in the face. Actually it is not tension, it is me trying not to smile so that the double chin does not turn into a quadruple one. Bingo wings to die for. No make-up whatsoever. Not a pretty woman.
Is that who I am? Why would I have any reason to be proud?
I am proud because I am changing.
I am proud because the dress is a size 16 whereas just weeks ago it would have been a 20 or 22.
I am proud that I have dyed my hair red because I like it whatever others think. It makes me smile.
I am proud because I have invested in new clothes. It is a long time since I dressed up at all and this photo shows that I am making mistakes but with a little practice, I will get it right.
I am proud because I went out to “We Will Rock You” and the tension went and I smiled so much, real happiness. I am proud to identify with the individuals and the bohemians in the play.
I may well be a fat and frumpy one but oh yes, I am an individual with the ability to challenge the status quo. There is a rock chick waiting to emerge from this particular chrysalis.
An individual who has overcome ..
Being abandoned as a baby
Bullying in the playground and at work
Post-natal depression
Relationship breakdown and infidelity
An individual who commits to parenting and step-parenting even though finding both to be very challenging.
A bohemian who lost her way a bit but at least has the guts to try and do something about it.
Here’s to the #groovingmums and all the bloggers who are helping me so much on this journey. I thought of you all last night when they sang “We are the champions” cos you all are even when you don’t realise it. That sounds very corny but is meant totally, heartfelt.
I am just a woman and I am proud.
You should be too.
Kate on Thin Ice 
I have to say your hair looks fab, I love the colour, wish I had the guts to use it! Also don’t think the photo looks like you are making mistakes with your clothes. I am utterly wowed by the fact a few weeks ago you would of been 2 or 3 dress sizes bigger, you have lost a massive amount 🙂
Kate, I don’t know you, and I’m very proud of what you’ve achieved in a few short weeks, your hair looks fab as do you
Wow. Goose bumps.
Love the red hair – and the curls! *High five* for #grooving mums!
You are pretty! And I LOVE your funky glasses!!!
Great post! 😀
This is a fabulous post…you are emerging from your shell! Stay positive, you are doing a brilliant job! xxx
What a superb (and poignant) battle cry. I think you’ll make many of us reevaluate ourselves. And, for what it’s worth, when I first glanced at the photo before reading on, I thought you looked the sort of person I’d like to drink gin with.
So glad you had a great time, and you are an inspiration to everyone striving to change the negatives in their life. Loving the hair, good for you!
I always wanted to dye my hair red – you look fantastic! I wish you lived nearer, I’d like to drink gin with you too. Polly x
Brilliant. You’ve got lots to be proud of. What an inspiring post.
You should be VERY proud of what you have achieved.
I love your red hair!!!!
Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this! I have also always wanted to have red hair! Perhaps when I lose the weight I’ll dye it as well! Reading this has really given me a kick up the backside, more than you’ll ever know! I a similar size now to your starting size and am desperate to get back down to what I was. I just thought it would be such a struggle and take so long, but you’ve shown me that it doesn’t take ages to see and feel a big difference, even with thyroid problem! Thank you xxx
May I just say – I think you were born to be a redhead.
Not only kick ass, but by lord, your skintone is ideal with the colour – Irish heritage, perhaps?
You look great!
Brilliant post. You should be proud. And lovely to see what you look like too!
Wow. I am sitting here a bit chocked up after reading your post. Oh yes, you can be really proud of yourself, and of your red hair!!
Kate you look awesome and totally different. The hair is fabulous.
I didn’t see a fat woman anyway. You look good. Well done on your achievements too.
Lookinf fab! and i love the red hair suits you x
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Love this 🙂 Its all any of us are. Just plodding along trying to do the right thing, trying to be real to ourselves and our loved ones.
I’m a size 22 mum with frizzy hair and little confidence and have experienced many of the things you have. Your blog made me cry. And feel proud. You are amazing. Stay that way.
you made tears come in my eyes it doesnt matter how big we r what shape size all of us feel inadequate in some way , very inspirational thanks
Well after all that you have been through I think you have earned your stripes-go tigeress! Your hair is fab and you look fab and you are an inspiration. Keep up the good work and enjoy! 🙂
What a fabulous post – we’re delighted to have you as our Blog of the Week Kate.
Amazing…i think as women we are constantly made to feel that we must fit in and look a certain way, I love your honesty and for saying this is me, take it or leave it.dont change.x