wow. this article left me speechless. it sounds a lot like me.

Thanks! I have tears in my eyes. This says it all:

One of the most fascinating things about my journey (and that I see reflected in other people's journeys and mentioned by the author) is the difficulty in having a realistic self-image. What I see in the mirror and what I see in pictures are so very different. Why is it so hard to have an objective view of our bodies? Why do we continue to "feel" fat or thin until someone or something triggers our realistic evaluation?

Great article.

I'm trying to hide the tears in my eyes from my co-workers right now. I can relate to so much of this woman's experience - always feeling defensive, distorted self-perception. I too cried in the fitting room the first time I could wear a "small" shirt. I have re-gained about 10 lbs and am trying to lose it. This is wonderful inspiration.

Beautifully written and a real inspiration -- thanks so much for posting this!

PS: Check out the author's note on the positive response she got from the article, on her website.

http://www.divabarbarella.com/wordpress/index.php?cat=3