My 4 year old son and I love to listen to music. We love music that makes you move. In fact we have dance parties in the kitchen all the time. I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of children’s music. I tried. We did the Music Together program for a few sessions. I bought various CDs and downloaded music on iTunes, but I just couldn’t fake it. So I started listening to the radio in the car and Carlos would bop in his car seat to anything upbeat. It didn’t take long before he had his own playlist on the iPod which included everything from Dave Matthews to Enrique Iglesias. I then discovered Kidz Bop which takes popular songs and makes the lyrics more appropriate for children.

The other day a song came on the radio and we both instantly loved it; Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Have you heard it? It’s fantastic. She has such an amazing voice. Last night while cooking dinner I found the video for the song on You Tube. Then I happened to read some of the comments below the video and I was so saddened that many of the comments had more to do with Adele’s appearance than with the music. Most agreed that it was a terrific song and that Adele has talent, but many also posted very mean spirited comments about the singer’s looks and weight.

This brought me right back to the hallways of my high school. I was always heavier than most of the girls. I was awkward with hair that didn’t know if it wanted to be curly or straight, unsightly acne, and a hideous wardrobe that definitely made me look heavier than I was. I was not picked on any more than other kids, but I internalized it and it made me miserable. Despite numerous diets I was never able to lose a substantial amount of weight. I had a horrible relationship with food and an even worse opinion of myself. I felt worthless, ugly and overall uncomfortable in my own skin.

Somehow I managed to find my way out of high school and into college where my mind was opened to new experiences, people and ideas. It was the beginning of my journey to self-acceptance and self-love. I wish I could say that I am now a confident woman. I am not 100% there yet, but I have come so far. Unfortunately society has not changed much. I think it is even worse today with so many social media outlets that provide people the opportunity to pick on others anonymously.

As I watch my son grow up amongst bullying policies at school, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, reality television, shows like Pregnant and Sixteen, etc., I can only pray that he grows up to be a nice, respectful, confident young man with the guidance that we provide to him.

Here is Adele’s video for “Rolling in the Deep.” When I watched it all I saw was a beautiful talented woman. What do you see?