My demons aren't complicated. They are ruthlessly single-minded. As I stand on a stage or face a TV camera, something in my head screams 'FAT YOU ARE SO FAT AND DISGUSTING WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS PEOPLE WILL SEE HOW FAT AND DISGUSTING YOU ARE'. As the recording ends, I get the second wave, the same weird feeling of dread that accompanied walking into the sports changing rooms at school. I know that people are going to see.
I was amazed when Jess chose to put my feelings in her book. I thought that I was very much alone in feeling this way, and to be honest it was liberating that someone else thought that other people might be in the same boat. There is a central truth in all this. How people talk about bodies matters. No amount of fat-shaming will ever make our society healthier. What will work is proper investment in local sports facilities, and continuing work from all our governing bodies - supported by governments local and national - to get the sporting environment right. I have come to the conclusion that my body hating demons will never really go away. It is not in my control.
RosieDuffield1 Alison_McGovern The problem starts at school, where sports such as hockey and netball are competitive. Duffers like me hated to be the last one chosen for the team because I had two left feet. Horse riding, rowing and jogging were the answer. Nobody judging or criticising.
Alison_McGovern Thanks so much for this Alison!!
Alison_McGovern Thank you for sharing your thoughts & feelings that is felt by many, inc myself a Zumba instructor of 12 years. Being part of the FitGotReal campaign with my lovely Golden girls was a dream, along with like teaching Zumba. It helps my mental wellbeing as well as others 🤗
Alison_McGovern What a wonderful piece of writing, Alison_McGovern. ❤️ We’ve seen the joy in women’s faces when they’re playing in an environment that’s inclusive & allows them to be comfortable with their bodies. Sorry, you’ve had demons but we think you’re fab, especially on the pitch! ❤️⚽️
Alison_McGovern A wonderful article. Thank you for your honesty and recognising how many women suffer from these emotions silently. It will make a real difference.
Alison_McGovern Great piece..I have felt exactly the same since the latter years of Primary School x
Alison_McGovern This is the reason we do what we do! great article. Thank you for your honesty Alison_McGovern
Alison_McGovern Brilliant & honest. Thank you for sharing. I can honestly say I also have that inner demon. Same internal monologue which often becomes externalised too. I hated P.E. in school and was made to feel embarrassed by teachers. I’ve hated exercise all my adult life as a result.
Alison_McGovern That’s wonderful, Ally, and so familiar to so many of us. You were brave and generous to write it and are, for the record, utterly gorgeous. x
Alison_McGovern This piece should be essential reading
Alison_McGovern ❤️
Alison_McGovern Really great piece- well worth reading
Alison_McGovern Well done Alison great article and delighted you are my local mp . A top cabinet place beckons
Alison_McGovern Thanks for your honesty Alison. I wouldn't be at all surprised if dozens of your fellow MPs had similar issues: ie hating or feeling restricted by the way they look or, perhaps, sound. Being as healthy as you can be, physically and mentally, is far more important than body shape.
Alison_McGovern I00% right - Don't quite know how to say something personally supportive without being a bit creepy - but you are quite obviously a lovely and attractive person
Alison_McGovern Class act. Be delighted if Alison was my MP.
Alison_McGovern Well said
Alison_McGovern Alison_McGovern A brave and honest article, fom a brave and honest MP. You have used those characteristics to give barnstorming speeches on the dangers & evils of Brexit and in doing so inspired me. The house of Commons is a MUCH better place with you in it. Thank you.
Alison_McGovern This is a great article Alison. When ThisGirlCanUK launched I was moved to tears in recognising just how I felt about sport and my own body and what you write here has the same effect. It is so important for girls and women.
Alison_McGovern My MP 👊🏻
Alison_McGovern Really brave and honest piece. I'm certain you will have helped many others by writing it. X
Alison_McGovern Relatable as f£&K 👏👏
Alison_McGovern Such a powerful piece Alison_McGovern. You are such a very talented and principled MP.
Alison_McGovern You are Slightly Overweight and Need to Address that, What's The Problem AND Why are You Jumping on The Mental Issues BandWagon? Your 'BODY-HATING-DEMON' is What Everyone Else Knows as a Conscience! Diet, Excercise and Stop Making Excuses for Being FAT!
Alison_McGovern OUR REAL PROBLEM IS GROSSLY OBESE, OBESE, AND JUST FAT WOMEN REFUSING TO ACCEPT THAT THEY HAVE TO SLIM DOWN! The 'Body Positive' Gibberish Needs To Be Banned AND Anyone Allowing Their Children To Balloon into Obesity Should Be Prosecuted!
jessphillips Alison_McGovern Solidarity Jess and Alison ❤️
Alison_McGovern Thanks Alison_McGovern you are not alone in such feelings. You have always made others feel so comfortable even when perhaps you were not and that makes you even more wonderful than I thought you were already. Thanks for sharing your demons x
Alison_McGovern FoziaShaheen3
Alison_McGovern thanks Alison
Alison_McGovern Powerful and inspiring article Ally 👏🏽👏🏽
Alison_McGovern What an honest and frank piece. Many women will identify with it and will be grateful that it has been written. You are a lovely person, inside and out and never forget it.
Alison_McGovern I do comms/spokesperson work (much less high profile than you obvs) and your first para was visceral for me. It’s what I think every single time I do TV. Thank you so much for expressing it so clearly. FWIW I’ve always thought you v beautiful (I know not the point!)
Alison_McGovern This is a great piece Ali and you’re a brilliant woman. Btw you’re not alone. I feel like this every time I have a photo or do telly too.....and now I’m doing bbcstrictly ! 😱🤣
Alison_McGovern Inspiring read. Thanks.
Alison_McGovern Proud of you! 🙏!
Alison_McGovern Well done Alison
Alison_McGovern Well done Alison. Proud to have someone like you representing us.
politicalhackuk Alison_McGovern When I see Alison_McGovern I see a smart women, a credit to the Labour Party and Merseyside who will one day in the future be a Cabinet minister.
Alison_McGovern Powerful piece Alison. Well done for being so open, I hope it inspires others and makes people think differently about inclusion
Alison_McGovern Great article. I think it might be better these days but I think I'd have really benefitted from an approach of 'you don't have to be good at sport to enjoy sport' instead of dreading PE and thinking exercise as an adult was to compensate for calorie intake.
Alison_McGovern This is a very powerful piece. Thank you Alison.
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