I'm proud that today, at 43 years old, I've come to value the aging process and focus on inner rather than outer beauty.

In the past, I often found that when I reached out for a fast cure it led me down a slippery slope of more medications, hopeful dependence on the next prescription and ultimately a much longer drawn-out illness.

We come in many different shapes and sizes, and we need to support each other and our differences. Our beauty is in our differences.

My days are jam-packed with carpools, classroom assistance, tending to chickens, dogs and seven acres of olive trees!

I've found that balance is key. I'm no longer an extremist in any one direction.

I was essentially paid to perpetuate the myth that we are all, or should at least try to be, 17 and a size 2 forever.

My own path towards wellness has been a long and dynamic one. It's taught me that healing from the inside out takes time and there can be great value in various sources of guidance.