Why I don’t just talk about food
Part of what I’m here (in the world) to do is to WAKE people up.
Whether it’s to the fact that we have control over our health largely through what we eat, by shining light on the uncomfortable conversations that *need* to take place, or opening up and dismantling the judgment and criticism that this social media-based world somehow makes SO MANY feel entitled to carry and then spew at others.
All of it is fair game to me. I won’t shy away from these hard topics.
And I won’t *just* stick to food. And I won’t let certain comments go by *ignored*. If someone comments, it’s a request for my attention.
So I’m telling you now that the request had better be necessary or positive or somehow for the greater good. If it’s not, then reconsider before commenting or asking questions you’re capable of answering for yourself or spewing negativity in my direction. I won’t tolerate it.
From a reader:
Hi! Thank you for ALL that you do. Your continuous posts/stories on advocating for yourself, being yourself, and standing up for yourself have made a huge impact in my life. My husband and I have been struggling to get pregnant for 3.5 years now. While I’ve received plenty of unsolicited advice over the years, I got the most offensive “advice” from a family member a few weeks ago that absolutely crushed me and angered me like I just can’t describe.
Rather than keeping it to myself and letting it eat me alive (that’s what it felt like), I spoke up and politely shared what was said from MY perspective and explained WHY the “advice” was so hurtful and disrespectful. Although I was sweating and my heart was beating out of my chest upon sending it… IT FELT SO GOOD! The person apologized and we’ve since moved past the situation. Long story short, THANK YOU for continually speaking YOUR truth, because it has inspired me to speak MINE!
The above is why. This is game-changing and why I am relentless in my approach.
Let me know in the comments below – have I inspired you lately to create boundaries or step outside your comfort zone? I want to hear from you!
Tricia P. says:
It’s interesting that you should share this now. I just went through a 3 day MMI (Millionaire Mind Intensive) that, during one portion, taught us about how, in certain situations, we may be 100% right – from our perspective and someone we’re in a disagreement with may be 100% right – from their perspective. And it is helpful to everyone involved if we can see that AND see the situation from the other person’s POV (point of view). It’s a good and necessary lesson to learn!
Diane Sanfilippo says:
Yes!
Stephanie says:
I feel that o have started to come out of my shell more. Also, sharing my opinions and not being ashamed of them instead of “ what if they don’t like what I say?” has been a huge game changer. You have said it many times “I’m not for everyone” so I’m taking that to heart and know that it’s totally Ok to speak MY truth and be ok with the outcome and that those who love me will only love me harder as I am more and more myself.
Diane Sanfilippo says:
YES!
Erica says:
I absolutely LOVE this message! This is SUCH a work in progress for me. I’m a people pleaser and it truly upsets me when I find that people just don’t like me for whatever reason. I’d rather walk away than defend myself! I just had experienced a social media interaction the other day just like what you described above – someone who felt entitled to spew judgment about a situation that I felt empathetic about. She saw my empathy as weakness and tried to make me feel like a bad person about it. For a second I had to question my beliefs and then I realized – wait, NO. My empathy is what makes me who I am, and I’m not going to cave on this one. If you don’t like it – bye Felicia! LOL – thanks for posting Diane! This inspires me to work on this more!
Diane Sanfilippo says:
I’m glad to help!
Amy Szpindor says:
I think you are such an interesting person with so many things to share. You inspired me to look at things differently. About a week or so ago, I sent you a DM in response to one of your IG stories, and my DM was a knee jerk reaction and honestly just rude. After our discussion and your comments on your story, I was able to reflect on how I have been that judgemental with people in my life and how wrong I had been.
You said in your IG story that it wasn’t you that put yourself in that category of those women, it was someone else (I’m over simplifying this and not making it as eloquent as you presented). But it really made me think that when people, especially friends of mine, are sharing something nice someone else said about them- I had previously interpreted it as then bragging about themselves or stroaking their own ego. And when I lashed out (like I did on the DM with you).. it was really some of my insecurities and jealousy over something that had nothing to do with me.
This is a long comment.. but thank you for making me see things differently.
Amy
Diane Sanfilippo says:
Amy- I remember the messages. Thanks for being a thoughtful person who is willing to have a conversation and then step back to see your own responsibility and part in an exchange. That’s such a big moment of growth, and that stuff is HARD. I have a lot of respect for you doing that, and honestly, the initial comment to me now seems like it was worth making and then tackling, ya know? We are both better off for it. Much love. Diane
Emma Mason says:
Its great how you’re motivating people to stand up for themselves and confronting people about how they have done wrong to you, i use to keep it in and fight it inside myself, scream and do what not to ignore that, stand in front of a mirror and talk to myself and shouting what i could have said at that time, trying to make my self feel good. I totally can relate to it. Thank you for being an inspiring personality in my life and an idol.