Dear Anita,

Thanks for your advice. Lately there is a fear that keeps surfacing about my weight and appearance and I am struggling on overcoming it.  Every time I think of facing it somehow, there is a voice that keeps me back and tells me people will judge me harshly. I feel as if I’m constantly on guard to avoid being hurt so I hide myself. The question is how do I confront my fears? How do I be assertive even though I feel as if I’m losing myself? How do I know who I truly am and not what the world wants me to be?  How do I know I’m not becoming a bitter person?