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Today your words stung, your giggles hit home in a way I have not felt in so long. So here I am sat drinking coffee alone with my thoughts unpicking my reaction to your thoughtless actions.

It is not often I allow the deeds of others to affect my sense of being, fleetingly maybe but not for long.

As I dressed after swimming, I was aware of the slight giggle from behind me. Thinking nothing more I carried on, until I turned and realised the whispered mutterings were pointed at me. What was I thinking? This overweight, short old (53) woman in this young vibrant atmosphere. It was almost as if my being there tainted the air.

I agree I am not the most attractive or fittest of the species neither am I unworthy to take my place in your space.

This body, whose excessive skin folds you took such offense to, has carried and nurtured three amazing human beings to adult hood, three sensitive, funny, kind, understanding and caring individuals who would not stand and stare.

These feet have walked thousands of miles up and down wards and departments, caring for people in their most vulnerable of hours.

These hands have held the hands of others in their final moments, have helds the hands of the bereaved as they gasp the air around them working out how to move on without they very love they need.

These hands have washed, fed, dressed, cleaned, held, hundreds of amazing people who have needed care and understanding.

These eyes have watched the light die, and final breaths taken, they have observed and assessed professionals of the future as they learn and carve their craft. These eyes have seen a world turn, develop and move on in ways unfathomable when created.

These ears have heard traumatic accounts of the scared and lonely, the anxieties of the vulnerable, the joys and excited whelps of new beginnings, of adventures in planning and the gasps of delightful celebration at the end of beautiful journeys.

This heart holds dear years of experience, of acquaintances, of dearest friends, of people long since departed, of the memories of joys and despair each of which have taught lessons of life rich tapestry. This heart holds on to the adventures completed and waits in earnest for adventures still to come.

This whole being holds a faith so deep I know not where is begins and where it ends, but I know that it guides me so I don’t find myself in a gym changing room judging those around me.

So ladies, as you have judge me for what you see in front of you, all I am guilty of is in the years of caring for others I forgot at times to care for myself.

My prayer is that you both live lives of fulfillment, of adventure and in giving to others you may find peace in yourselves just for being who you are.