01/02/2026
🎓 May 17, 1993
High school graduation day. I was 17 years old, nearly 400 pounds, wearing a size 30 dress under that gown… and graduating #3 in my class.
I always wanted one of those shirts that said, “All this and brains, too!”
Problem was:
1. It didn’t come in my size.
2. My body didn’t qualify in the right way for the “all this” part.
But now? Oh, I’m getting that shirt. Because it’s never too late to own your shine—and wit. 😏
It’s been 32 years.
Wait… 32 years?! Felt like only yesterday I was hiding in books while other girls were out living their “teenage dream.” I convinced myself I didn’t need it. But I wanted it.
I had big dreams. Still do.
And the girl in that photo? In addition to wearing her cap and gown—she was wearing layers of pain, hope, brilliance, sadness, and resilience.
She would go on to lose 200 pounds—but not in a straight line. She’d do it through starts and stops, surgeries, therapy, tears, and bold decisions. And she’d do it without ever losing her brilliance—just finally learning to believe in it. And show up as herself. As her already perfect (but couldn’t see it) self.
I’m 50 now. I look back at her with so much love.
She got me here.
And she deserves her flowers—and a t-shirt.
And she is me. Same tendencies. Same humanness. Same personality. Same spark. With new understanding of how to embrace all of me and shape it into a life that I love.
These days, I’m not just telling my story. I’m building something for others like me—those who’ve walked a long, winding road and are ready for a clear way forward
If that sounds like your story too, I’d love to hear from you. 💙
