A few years back I wrote this about Ina Garten and Paula Deen.

I’ve always loved Paula but I didn’t think about her in terms of my healthy lifestyle. Paula and my dieting were two different things.  But something has shifted in my mind set. It’s not that I’ve decided not to lose weight. I am really working on it right now, more than ever before.  But my self-perceptions even my inner-monologue has changed.

I have really embraced my Inner Paula. What do I mean by that?

I envision health, strength and mobility…not tiny bikinis.  I am losing weight because I want power over food not the other way around. Paula runs her own show and it’s clear she does things from a place of joy. She’s not ruled by the past but rather seems to enjoy the moment. Lamenting over some pair of jeans you can’t wear anymore like this,  is not very Paula!

So what  does it mean to find your Inner Paula? It means find where your personality is in bloom. It means find that place where you are comfortable and confident. It means don’t “give up” on your physical beauty. You’re still looking lovely with your shoes and hair and sparkly accessories. You love that stuff. But you are happy with your outer self because it is a manifestation of your inner magic.

And something else has happened in my thinking. Smoking hot is NOT a bikini or leather pants (though I imagine leather pants do heat things up)  smoking hot comes from personality, skill, and just the total package!  That what’s  attracts good things.

Getting in touch with my Inner Paula has helped me take a step closer to a more balanced and (gulp) healthy lifestyle instead of Constant Dieter. (I said a step – not all the way there yet.)

So find your Inner Paula and let it fly! Because it is smokin’ hot and so are you!