Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I went up a whole pants size when I was pregnant with Colton—and eight years later, I’ve seldom squeezed myself into a size 0 again. It got to me a little over a year ago, around the holidays. So, I did what any sensible creative might; I grabbed my guitar and started strumming.

A little jingle came out of that; not about losing weight, but being OK with gaining it. The chorus starts: “Out of curiosity, when did ‘extra small’ define me? It’s not my personality, and it’s not my voice.”

If you’re feeling similar to the person who wrote to Grace below about an insecurity, I’ll be the first to say, “I get it.” But, let me also be the first to say this: You’re genuinely, beautifully, flawlessly amazing—because there’s only one person who’s uniquely you, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Dear Grace,

When I was younger, I was a little chubby, but I didn’t mind having curves. Since having kids, my body isn’t the same. My weight just keeps going up. Everyone is getting skinny now and I keep seeing ads for weight loss shots like Ozempic, but I’m scared to take it. 

Do you think it’s safe? I do want to lose weight. I can honestly say I love myself, but not my body. What do you think? What’s the best way to lose weight?

— Can’t Stop Dieting in PA

Dear Can’t Stop Dieting,

There is so much to unpack in your question, but let me just say that you’re not alone. I think that just about every woman I know has felt what you just described—feeling unhappy with the number on the scale or uncomfortable in our skin. It’s no coincidence, Can’t Stop. Companies in the diet, exercise, drug, and growing alternative health industries make gobs of money (especially this time of year) by telling us that our bodies are wrong and that their product could “fix” them. 

That said, we all deserve to have a happy, healthy relationship with our bodies, and I have struggled with some of the same feelings you’re describing. I don’t always have the answers, Can’t Stop, and with so many people out there claiming to be experts on healthy eating and dieting, I decided to reach out to a registered dietician to get advice we can all trust. Here’s what she said…

It’s your turn! You might’ve heard about the anti-ICE strike over the weekend. One way that some people expressed their opinion was by contacting their elected officials.

Granted, I hear that from time to time, whether it’s about a question, a concern, or an idea for change: Contact your representative. But I’ve lived in Virginia for three decades—and I’ve never once written in to an elected official’s office to advocate for anything.

Where would my letter—or call, text, or email—go? Who would read it and hear my opinions? What are the chances that my idea would spark action? I wasn’t sure, so I went to the source. I asked US Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat running for reelection this fall, during a recent media call.

So this week’s question isn’t necessarily a question—it’s much more a call to action. First, I encourage you to read this piece I wrote on the senator’s response to my inquiry. Then, you can choose from a multitude of ways to contact Warner, and ways to contact US Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Never contacted your representative before? The Americans of Conscience Checklist provides five tips for stress-free calls.

I’d love to hear how your conversation goes. Feel free to tell me all about it!

Here’s a quick roundup of neat things to do over the next few days. Have an event you’d like to see featured? Send it my way! 💌

Anywhere, anytime: Access a free Virginia history podcast

The Virginia Civil Rights podcast, part of the broader US Civil Rights Trail podcast, “explores significant moments and movements across the commonwealth, sharing stories of everyday citizens whose courage and resilience drove lasting change.” Featured locations include Farmville, Fredericksburg, Danville, and Richmond.

The Year of the Horse: Celebrations throughout Virginia

If you’re looking to ring in the new year (again), why not celebrate the Lunar New Year? Virginia Living recently posted an amazing list of events across the commonwealth, beginning the weekend of Feb. 7 and continuing throughout the month. Check out the full roundup.

Galentine’s Party: Vendors, drinks, and tunes

On Saturday, Feb. 7, Lost Barrel Brewing will host its Galentine’s Day Party, starting at noon. The brewery, located in Middleburg, will open its space to local makers, boutique vendors, and pop-up shops to celebrate in style.

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