Jill I was wondering if your friend is African American. With the name Shazza it sounds African American. Don’t start flaming me people I’m asking for a reason. Not that anyone here would flame me. We seem to be a pretty good group.

The reason I ask is because the last job I worked at I was talking with a couple of women who were African American. We were talking about diets among other things and the one girl told me that they don’t worry about weight like white women seem to. Now I don’t know if this is true for all African American women as a matter of fact I’m sure it’s not. But if it is an underlying cultural difference that may be why she feels more secure in her self and why it’s not a big deal to her. It’s just a thought.

Shazza's mum was a beautiful fiesty irishwoman and her dad a devilishly dashing arab - resulting in Shazz having flaming red hair, bright green eyes and richly olive skintones to die for! However, her upbringing indeed was in an atmosphere of extreme cultural diversity, which I'm sure relates to her sense of self and can certainly be tied to Howie's idea of differing cultural attitudes and ideals.

It's a shame are culture does not promote self love as much as others. We all want to be healthy but it would be nice to like ourselfs as we are also.

I think it is sooo important to remember that we have to love our bodies each and everyday, even when we are trying to change them.

Let's be confident - we are sexy!
Let's be proud!
Let's love every bit of who we are.

Hating yourself does not speed up your weightloss.

The Goddess has spoken (and provided me with a new signature line)

i LOVE that line too.. i have to adopt it as well...

and build a support group discussion around it...

much love

OMG girls. You have reduced me to tears. Thanks for the honor.