To explain how Shape Shifting works, all I have to do is look at my “Before and After” pictures and recall what I felt like when each was taken. In the “Before” picture, which was taken on my birthday several years ago, my life was completely miserable. I hated my job, I felt trapped, and every day was awful—even the anti-depressants I was taking didn’t help. Although I was smiling (sort of) in the picture, I was living a life of quiet desperation. It almost hurts to look at it, now.

The second picture was taken last summer, after I made incredible changes in my life. I am now extremely happy, living a life of creativity, and feeling like I’ve found my soul’s purpose. That, in a nutshell, is how I lost the weight. I started to pay attention to what makes me feel happy and alive, and took steps to begin living. Fifty pounds dropped off in the process, as a “by-the-way,” happy bonus.

In the first picture, I was at my highest weight: 215 pounds. At 5’2,” that’s a lot. In the second picture, I weigh 165. I’m thinking about losing a few more, but if I never do, I’m totally fine with that. I’m healthy and happy. If I do lose more weight, it will only be a reflection of an even more joyful life, first!

It just happens that my “soul’s purpose,” as I mentioned above, is to be a writer, radio show host and support group leader. I’m convinced that my reason for gaining the weight to begin with was so I would embark upon a journey that would take me to the depths of my soul and back, only to share what I’ve learned with anyone who wants to do the same.

To that end, I wrote the books Shape Shifting—reclaiming YOUR perfect body, the Shape Shifters Workbook and the Shape Shifter's Daily Diary. I have created Shape Shifters Groups (including an online version), a no-cost support format to help readers apply what they learn in the book(s). The only requirement to attend a group is to read Shape Shifting first.

I host a weekly show on BlogTalkRadio, where callers can share their stories and challenges, and learn more about Shape Shifting. I interview incredible guests who each add another facet of insight into gaining a healthier and happier life. The show, like the groups, is intended to help “Shape Shifters” to stay focused on a new, healthier and happier way of thinking in a world that makes it difficult to do so.

In essence, all I did was be true to myself and I lost weight. It was as easy—and as difficult—as that. I shifted my thoughts and, therefore, shifted my shape.

Lisa Bonnice

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This site, like anything else in real life, isn't one-size-fits-all. The material inside is not intended as a substitute for a doctor or therapist's advice. If you have health issues, or feel you could use some counseling, please do yourself the favor of following your intuition and getting some help.