Page 69 of The Anaconda Downstairs

Penelope:Thanks for joining us today, Besties.

Kelsey:We wanted to come on here and have an honest conversation with all of you about body positivity and what it really means.

Penelope:That's right. Recently, there's been some talk about whether people like us are “authentic” in our body positivity message. And you know what? It's time for some real talk.

Kelsey:Absolutely. Here's the truth: Body positivity isn't about being confident 100% of the time. It's not about loving every single thing about yourself every single day.

Penelope:Exactly. I'll be honest with you all. I have days where I struggle. Days where I look in the mirror and don't love what I see. And for a long time, I harbored a lot of guilt about that.

Kelsey:Me too, Pen. I think a lot of people believe that because we're in the public eye, we must have it all figured out. But that's not true.

Penelope:Not at all. And that's what we want to talk about today. Body positivity isn't about perfection. It's about acceptance, it's about treating yourself with kindness, even on the hard days.

Kelsey:It's about recognizing that your worth isn't determined by your size, your shape, or how you look in a bikini.

Penelope:Exactly. It's about understanding that everyone—and I mean everyone—has insecurities. But those insecurities don't define us.

Kelsey:That's so true. I remember a time when I was about to go on stage for a big performance. I was feeling so nervous and insecure about how I looked. But you know what? I went out there anyway.

Penelope:And you rocked it, as always. But it's important for people to know that even someone as amazing as you has those moments.

Kelsey:Absolutely. So here's what we want to say to all of you: It's okay to have doubts. It's okay to have days where you don't feel your best.

Penelope:What matters is how you talk to yourself on those days. Are you kind to yourself? Do you remind yourself of your worth beyond your appearance?

Kelsey:That's the real heart of body positivity. It's not about always feeling confident. It's about treating yourself with respect and kindness, no matter how you feel.

Penelope:And it's about creating a world where everyone feels valued, regardless of their size or shape.

Kelsey:So, we want to hear from you. Share your stories with us. Tell us about your journey with body positivity—the good days and the challenging ones.

Penelope:Use the hashtag #RealBodyLove. Let's show the world what true body positivity looks like—real, raw, and resilient.

Kelsey:Remember, you are worthy of love and respect, from others and from yourself, no matter what.

Penelope:Thank you all for being here with us today. Your support means the world to us.

Kelsey:We love you all. Keep spreading that real body love.

BATTLE STATIONS

EVERETT

Iwas in the TE room with the other tight ends going over blocks and pass protection with our coach when my phone started buzzing like crazy. Coach shot me a look that could've melted steel, but something in my gut told me this wasn't just another fan tagging me in a workout video.

“Sorry, Coach,” I muttered, sliding my phone out just enough to see the screen. My heart dropped when I saw Jules's name followed by a string of angry emojis and just two words.

Douchepotato posted.

“Kingman, you need to step out?” Coach asked, his voice gruff. I wasn't usually one of his problem children. I did my best to keep the drama in my life outside of football to the minimum. But sometimes life got in the way.

I nodded, already on my feet. “Sorry, guys. I'll be right back.”

The moment I hit the hallway, I messaged Jules.

Send it to me.

A moment later, my phone pinged with a link. I hit play and instantly wished I hadn't.

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