Reply from Michaela, Age 16 - 12/22/00 - IP#: 152.163.197.57Dear AJ, My name is Michaela and I am 16 years old. I read your message just today, and I want you to know how special you are. Fat or thin, tall or short, smart or dumb...you're special- and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. I know it sounds crazy. And I know that it seems like your weight dictates your life. But what you need to realize is that when YOU start to dictate your own life, and when you stop obsessing about being thin and losing weight, you'll find that the weight will come off. Keep yourself busy. Do things you enjoy. Read, draw, do your homework, walk your dog...anything that you like to do! I think that controlling weight is one of the hardest things to do in life. I've struggled with my weight for a couple years now. I'm not very large, but I want to sing and act, and in that business...weight is EXTREMELY important. So for me, I need to be a stick (something I've NEVER been). It's hard, I know. And I've found that it becomes a vicious cycle. I eat because I'm unhappy, and I gain weight, then I'm unhappy because I'm overweight...so I eat more. It makes no sense! It'll take a while to lose the weight; to be in the state that you want to be in. It will be hard. But what you have to tell yourself is that it's worth it. Your happiness is worth every sacrifice- even if that sacrifice is food. Nothing in life comes easy. And the harder the challenge, the greater the reward. I hope that you can believe in yourself. I believe in you. Everyone controls their destiny. You can lose weight. It's mind over matter. Good luck hun! Write me again if you would like to! I'd love to hear from you! Michaela |