1.31.2006

Anything but the same

Left: My badge photo from October 1994

I sometimes get referrals from Anything But The Same, a site which documents one woman's inspirational transformation and journey with a little help from a program called Weight Watchers. Venus, a dear friend to me, was kind enough to link to this site. But I often worry that Venus' readers will be disappointed to discover this site of love, sex, relationships, and rantings is not nearly as rousing as Venus'.

I hate to disappoint. Although I have not experienced a transformation as extraordinary as my friend's, I do have a confession for Venus readers. Four years ago I lost 30 pounds and three dress sizes with the help of Weight Watchers.

Losing weight was something I did for myself. I needed the physical boost that losing weight offered to increase confidence in myself. This newfound confidence, in turn, allowed me to take on other challenges-- going back to college, taking on dance classes, and making new friends. Looking back, my life is vastly different today than it was those many years back. I think the decision to lose weight started the transformation for me.


All of this being said, let me make one thing clear. I do not believe that one size fits all. Happiness and beauty come in all shapes and sizes. My friend Venus, for example, is amazing, beautiful, and inspirational with or without Weight Watchers and at whatever shape or size. Her focus has always been healthy living (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually)--a goal that I am still trying to achieve. People like Venus continue give me hope that I can get there!

Photo Right:Me 11 years later, November 05

7 comments:

Junie B said...

YOU'RE GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zhaan said...

You know I think your outward appearance is intimidating to us mere mortals that met you after your outward transformation. It helped me along my weight loss journey to know that you too had once struggled with weight issues. Too look at you now one would never know. Maybe those struggles (and others) are why you are just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. You pull off glamorous and down to earth at the same time which is a rare gift.

Anonymous said...

WOW! I second what The Venus said!
You are beautiful Diane!:-)

TamWill said...

YOU are Gorgeous and I am JEALOUS and Tiffany agrees ;)

utenzi said...

I wouldn't have realized the two pictures were of the same woman, Diane. Not to belittle what you looked like 11 years ago, but the change is astounding. Few people look better with 11 years more age but you not only look better--you look fantastic.

SassyAssy said...

You used an awful picture. You looked much better than that in 1994. You are a fab person both in looks & spirit no matter what size.

Diane Mandy said...

You all are making me blush...for real!!! Thank you very much for the compliments. I'm overwhelmed.