25 Comments
User's avatar
Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you for your brave writing Ali. I'm so glad you're here, and this rewire of beginning again is brilliant. I needed this today. I've noticed so many changes in my body that seem to have happened overnight. I'm reminding myself to focus on what my body can do rather than how it looks.

Thank you, friend.

Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Julie! So glad this resonates, and that you are realizing this younger than I did! Change is inevitable. So glad that you are here as well, and that we have connected!

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Have a great weekend, Ali!

Heather's avatar

Hurrah! For sharing your vulnerable self, for modeling kindness toward yourself, and for being you!

Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Heather!

MaryBeth Sellers's avatar

So weird I read this after posting my writing on aging and thought wow we are on the same page literally. But your journey to this writing how you have evolved is a remarkable inspiring heartfelt to the core. I was so excited you have ice cream in your freezer, we chatted about that once. Can’t wait for our next chat so much to celebrate!

Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you friend! Love how we connect through our writing. Can't wait to read yours! And yes, always looks forward to our chats :)

Isiah Smith, Jr.'s avatar

We love you just the way you are. Years ago, Marlene decided to get a facelift. I begged her not to do that. I must have played Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are" a quadrillion times. I told her I loved every wrinkle she had because I had personally given her many of them. She persisted, even going so far as to put down a deposit for the procedure. The news came that Kanye West's mother had died while getting breast augmentations. So Marlene chickened out. This event was almost enough to turn me into a Kanye fan; almost, but not quite. The worst part of the entire ordeal is that we couldn't recover her down payment, which was a small price to pay for foregoing the needless danger of elective surgery.

Ali Lopez's avatar

Love this story isiah! And sending love to you and Marlene 💙

BRENDA NEUWEILER's avatar

I too have become less focused on elaborate composed meals and do a lot more noshing just to get enough protein and essentials. I still enjoy making nice meals for guests though! Here's to staying strong as we age!!!

Susan T's avatar

Aging is hard- all the changes to the mind and body. I’m so glad you’re finding happiness and strength in your body!

Ali Lopez's avatar

Aging is certainly better than the alternative.....

Penny Krebiehl's avatar

Big smile for you🥰

Ali Lopez's avatar

thank you sweet friend :)

Blue's avatar

You are amazing.

Ali Lopez's avatar

just honest..... and you are amazing! thank you :)

The Vermonters's avatar

This is so raw and beautiful Ali.....You are such a strong woman and I love the "Begin again" sentiment.....we are always changing and nothing stays the same, good or bad. Thank you for sharing.....you are an inspiration to so many xo

Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Krista! It means a lot that this resonates. I'm feeling pretty raw lately so why not share...right?

The Vermonters's avatar

🩵🩵

Zeak Dangerman's avatar

🖤👊🏼🖤

Barry Wein's avatar

Thanks for sharing your experience. Beautiful message from an inspirational woman! While we’ve come from wildly, different spaces, so much of what you said resonated with me in terms of my relationship to food and my body. I can honestly say it’s the first time in my entire life that I can look in the mirror and refrain from beating myself up.❤️Power to the people!

Ali Lopez's avatar

Why are we so mean to ourselves... yet kind to others :)

That you for your words.... always...

Abby Heffern's avatar

So beautiful! Loved the note on greeting your thoughts, thanking them, and letting them know they're not needed. "I have found more helpful friends." I've never struggled with an ED but I do have to constantly remind myself to let go of what I perceive as not being "perfect" - the "lazy" dinners, the "flaws" on my skin and body. Social media can make it feel like if everything in your life isn't shiny or put together you're doing it wrong. Thanks for writing this!

Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Abby! For reading and taking the time for such kind and thoughtful words. I really appreciate it!