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.

But life inevitably throws us curve balls, unexpected circumstances that remind us to expect the unexpected. I've come to understand these curve balls are the beautiful unfolding of both karma and current.

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 weight fluctuated when I was 30, and I did the unthinkable - I stepped out as a plus-sized model.

Being born and raised as a Californian, I somewhat ignorantly had taken for granted the diversity and liberal mindset that shaped my childhood and adult life.

While women across the globe have many differences - language, culture, environment - our similarities are undeniable, and the impact of abuse and oppression affects us all.

From the time I started school, it was clear to everyone that I wasn't learning at the same pace as other kids.