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Twenty one years ago today, I became a bat mitzvah. At twelve years old this was the most exciting, yet nerve-racking time of my life. To say I remember the weekend like it was yesterday is an understatement. I had spent over a year studying the portions I would read aloud in front of family, friends, and an entire sanctuary. My stomach was tied in knots, my heart was pounding, and I had nightmares leading up to it every night. What if I messed up? What if I lost my place? What if I didn’t perform perfectly on the bimah? That is a lot ofRead More →

Dreams

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After several phone calls, text messages, and in-person questions, I feel it is necessary to share my thoughts on this latest scandal—a scandal that should be heard and seen by everyone—to stop it from ever happening again. As I have watched and listened to countless brave and strong women stand in court to confront and publicize their horrific, personal, and life-altering experiences related to a sick man, Larry Nassar, I have an array of feelings. First, and foremost, my heart goes out to each and every one of the 160 (and I’m sure more) innocent victims who were sexually assaulted and taken advantage of forRead More →

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I had the pleasure of speaking to an entire sophomore class at a local high school the other day. As I stood at the podium watching each and every student walk through the entryway, I could feel the tension in the room increasing as they took their seats. They were informed of the topic that was going to be addressed—eating disorders and body image–issues that are far too misunderstood and unspoken, yet, so imperative. And, based on their attentiveness, questions, and discussion following my presentation, it was clear these students were more than familiar with these happenings. Our family, friends, and community learned of this speaking engagementRead More →

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Pants have never been my thing. But, obviously, due to social standards, I wear them. When I look in the mirror, I see something very different than what most see. A girl referred to me as “tiny” the other day, and the only thought that went through my head was, “I wish.”  I was just wandering through a boutique today actually, and as I checked out the mannequin wearing a swimsuit, analyzed every curve, or lack thereof, and feature of its body. I saw perfection. Her inner thighs didn’t touch, she had long, skinny legs, and the flattest stomach that would even be possible. I,Read More →

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“I don’t want them to see my body,” the 5-year-old screamed down from the top of the staircase when her mom asked her to come downstairs. I watched as my friend teared up–terrified, sad, and troubled. I happened to have not heard what she yelled down, but my friend made sure to repeat it to me.  Not much makes me speechless, but when my friend continued by sharing a story, I was in disbelief. She explained that just a few weeks ago her 5-year-old daughter came home from camp after a day filled with swimming, fun activities, and bunk camaraderie, and said, “Mommy, some ofRead More →

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On the first warm day of third grade, everyone wore shorts. All the girls in my class were excited to show off their new summer outfits, denim shorts and colored tank tops.  Dark complected, with dark features, I was aware that I had an unusual amount of body hair. My arms and legs were clearly hairier than everyone else’s–boys and girls. Scared that I would be made fun of at school, I opted to wear pants and long sleeves until the heat was no longer bearable.  The bell rang, and it was time for recess. My first day wearing shorts for the season, I wanderedRead More →

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Dear Lady Gaga, Not only am I writing you to apologize, but I am thanking you from the bottom of my heart.  I was one of them. I was one of 113.7 million viewers tuning in to Fox’s fifth-most-watched TV event in history. I was one who watched your captivating and spectacular performance. I was one of them who studied your body as you were showcasing a talent and mastery of a singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. I was one who not only thought it, but wrote it. I actually texted a friend back and forth about how surprising it was that you weren’tRead More →

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I’m going to start off by saying I have never really been into politics. I have registered to vote, and participated in the polls, but have never truly felt strongly about what and who I was selecting, for the most part. Admittedly, I would call my dad and ask him who he is voting for, and would just follow suit. However, this past week I did have an interest in sitting down and watching the first presidential debate with Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Even while listening to each of their perspectives, plans, and policies, I couldn’t help but focus on something completely different thanRead More →

amy-schumer-plus-size-glamour-body-image

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I remember the day when I was categorized as obese so I totally get what’s going through Amy Schumer’s mind after being included in a Plus-Size issue of Glamour Magazine. I remember that day as if were yesterday. I went to the doctor for a physical, as a child, with my mom, and I did the usual. I stepped on the scale to be weighed, and then backed up against the wall to have my height measured. I was 5-feet-and-one-inch tall, which is still my current height today. I weighed 126 pounds, which is the weight I have attempted to maintain for the last several years.Read More →