In her thought-provoking essay, “Being Thin Didn’t Make Me Happy, But Being ‘Fat’ Does,” Joni Edelman candidly reflects on her personal journey with body image and self-acceptance. She emphasizes that “happiness does not require thinness, nor does fatness equate to sadness,” sharing her experiences of striving for a size 4 physique and the newfound joy she uncovered when she chose to embrace her body as it is. Her decision to abandon a rigorous exercise routine and live “unapologetically fat” has resonated with many, leading to her appearances on popular platforms such as Today and Rachael Ray, as well as features in the Daily Mail and the Chicago Tribune.
To gain more insight into Joni’s life as a mother of five and a registered nurse, we conducted a Mid Q&A session with her. She will also be contributing articles on parenting, so stay tuned for more from Joni in the coming weeks.
-
What skill would you like to acquire?
I wish to learn how to play the guitar. My father gifted me his guitar— the same one he used when I was a child— on my 30th birthday. Despite my lack of skill, I’m determined to improve. -
What destination is on your travel bucket list?
My husband and I have been longing to visit France. It’s a trip that simply must take place soon. -
Who deserves your gratitude?
I owe a thank you to my high school German teacher, Clara Jensen. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer years ago. While I found her a bit irritating back then, she was the first person to instill in me a sense of self-worth and belief in my abilities. -
What were you doing at age 12 on a Friday night?
I would try on my aunt’s hand-me-down formal dresses, imagining myself as either Alyssa Milano or Brooke Shields. My night would consist of wearing oversized bras (with stuffing too), munching on Doritos and Ding Dongs. -
Who was the recipient of your first mix tape?
I can’t quite recall his name—perhaps it was Mark. However, I definitely included “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder and several tracks by New Edition, such as “Mr. Telephone Man” and “If It Isn’t Love”. My mix tape-making skills did improve over time. -
What childhood story annoys you at family gatherings?
For some baffling reason, everyone wants to recount the incident where I stuck a bean up my nose. I didn’t inform anyone at the time and eventually sneezed it out, having sprouted. It’s not exactly my proudest moment. -
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?
I would urge myself to seek treatment for my bipolar disorder. It’s important to understand that having this condition doesn’t define me or mean I’m destined to follow in my mother’s footsteps. Addressing it will greatly enhance my quality of life—don’t delay in pursuing a diagnosis! -
What is your specialty in the kitchen?
I excel at baking cakes. It’s truly my passion, and I consider myself a cake master. -
What’s your guiding principle?
It varies from day to day, but it can be summed up as “Don’t forget to be AWESOME!” Alternatively, I often reflect on Gandhi’s wisdom: “Be the change you want to see.” -
If you don’t have a motto, what song resonates with you?
James Taylor’s “Secret of Life” encapsulates my philosophy: “Enjoy the passage of time.” -
What film or show uplifts your spirits?
“Love Actually” always restores my faith in humanity.
In summary, Joni Edelman’s journey toward self-acceptance and happiness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing one’s true self. Her reflections on life, personal struggles, and the pursuit of joy offer valuable insights for anyone navigating similar challenges. For those interested in exploring topics related to at-home insemination, resources such as Make a Mom and Cleveland Clinic can provide further guidance.