Free Shine by Star Jones Reynolds Page A

people who are happy for you and excited and really just want the best for you. One of my biggest cheerleaders, for example, has been mygirlfriend the actress Vivica A. Fox. Vivica is considered one of the most beautiful women in America. I’m telling you there’s not a week that goes by that she doesn’t call me to say, “Girl, you was lookin’ good on the show today. You lookin’ hot, mama. Go ahead. You better go.” She’s always just very encouraging, and even when I was the fat girl in the group, she was the same.
    Still, when I was heavier, she would worry a lot, but even then, she would say something like, “Okay, Star, what’s happening now—you okay?” She wasn’t on me, she didn’t say, “You need to diet, you need to do this, you need to do that,” but she also didn’t ignore it when she knew I was struggling with being overweight. It wasn’t in the back of her head every moment. It wasn’t something that she threw up in my face, but she often acknowledged her worry in her way. And as I began losing weight and taking better care of myself, she acknowledged that also. And now she is simply joyful to see me healthy and happy.
    You’ve got the “Vivica” friend—I know you do—but you will also have the other kind of friend or acquaintance—the kind who secretly doesn’t wish you well because she needs a victim, she needs someone who has it worse than she does, and when you were fat, you were that victim for her. Or him. Do not expect this person to be thrilled that you were victorious in your efforts.
    Rise above! Revel in your new body and new opportunities. Delight in your ability to prepare yourself physically for a new life. Embrace your true friends. Lose the others.
    Shine!

Chapter 3
Are You Your Most Gorgeous? Fashion, Makeup, and Hair
    The world is governed more by appearance than realities.
    DANIEL WEBSTER
    T rying to be physically healthier has to start with the health of your body. But make no mistake, girl, after health, after the dropping of the pounds, you have to feel physically better in other important ways—like feeling pretty. Pretty is a magical word. It brings confidence and wit and self-esteem. You walk pretty and you talk pretty when you feel pretty. If the grand love of your life just happens to be walking behind you into the Beyoncé concert tomorrow, will he be dazzled by your pretty hair, your pretty face, your pretty dress? Are you lookin’ good, Cassandra? Will your style stop him dead in his tracks?
    When all is said and done, we want to be remembered for our style—our very best look. But outward style is no more than a presentation of self—our inner selves, our adorable selves, our most convincing selves. Sure, we all have those three-o’clock-in-the-morning moments when we feel plain, klutzy,unattractive, but the true stylist will wake up in the morning, pick out her cutest outfit, and powder, brush, dress, and color the best parts of her self to come shining back. Intelligence makes you unforgettable, manners and tone of voice make you interesting and appealing, but the best presentation of the physical you makes you irresistible.
    Be your most gorgeous. Don’t for a moment think that strong women have to be all hard angles and unfeminine. That’s the biggest mistake people make about women who change the world: the forceful, funny, most delightfully convincing women usually look terrific, and they are adorable.
    Before I let loose with my feelings about looking wonderful, take the general beauty assessment below. It concentrates not on any one aspect but on your general habits and feelings about your appearance. Then we’ll talk.
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    ASSESS YOUR LOOK
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    Choose the answer that best describes you:
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    1. This is how I mostly feel about shopping:
I’m out of my element in a clothing store, and choosing the right accessories seriously frightens me. I was okay when everything had to match, but they changed the rules!
I choose clothes that are