Size matters? Exactly how?

First we have Twiggy (for those of us old enough to remainder the emaciated model from England, who thankfully now looks like a real woman with some curves. Then we had Starr Jones, who underwent gastric bypass and all kinds of other interventions to get thin. In between them have come numerous men and woman, all trying to get the "perfect" figure. They've starved themselves, gone under the knife, worked out 7 days a week, swallowed pills, fasted, etc.... How many have maintained their new figures beyond a year?

Okay, then here's my story. I've been up and down the scale (musical metaphor intended because I'm a singer). Did the strict diet and go to the gym routine. Wore smaller sized clothes, but looked gaunt and sick - and was always getting sick. Then started eating normally, and back came the pounds and a larger wardrobe. Story of my life.

A few years ago, I was at a relatively low weight (for me) and wearing so-called "normal" sized clothes (top range of normal, you understand). I had auditioned for a professional choral group that also had a Renaissance ensemble. When my second year with the ensemble rolled around, I asked whether or not I was to be included in the Renaissance group. "Well, we haven't offered you a contract because you have to fit into the costume." Sheesh! Never mind that I could SING and that I did look good on stage. Well, I called their bluff and squeezed into what I was told was the "last costume they had." Stained, ratty, practically falling apart - and smelling of an old barn, which I found out was where it had been stored. A magically talented seamstress found a few seams to let out and managed to make the gown presentable. Ta-da! I'd made it. I spent the entire year watching every bite that went into my mouth, knowing that if the costume no longer fit, I was out. Ya think that makes singing fun? But at least I've got a picture of myself in that gown and performed with the group.

After 2 seasons of with this group, for which I will always be grateful because of the wonderful music I got to sing, I realized that what I was paid for rehearsals and concerts was actually costing me money in terms of time lost from my real job. I was exhausted, and I was getting sick all the time - sound familiar? I resigned. Not an easy decision.

I've had to face the fact that a number of my "smaller sized" outfits don't fit and that 1X is now becoming a friend again. The 20 pounds I've gained really don't show - too much. My doctor is not unhappy with me. I've avoided the colds that used to plague me every couple of months.

More importantly, I'm happy in my own skin, and I enjoy what I eat. Okay, I don't always exercise great dietary discretion, but I no longer pick at food and live on liquid meals for lunch. I get at least a mile of walking everyday and will be back to water aerobics and swimming soon. Some weight may drop off again, and it may not. The important thing is that I like how I look. I like what I'm wearing. And no one will ever base my participation in an activity based on my size.

So, don't let anyone else do it to you!

Peace and blessings. Now, where did I hide that chocolate............