THE OTHER NIGHT, I WENT TO A JAZZ CONCERT.

It wasn't your ordinary concert. Yes, there were amazing vocals in a wonderfully intimate setting--but that wasn't what made this event unique. Singing in a beautiful and compelling voice was Shape's very own beauty makeover columnist, Deborah Lippmann, page 58. She's dropped a total of 69 pounds in the past year and a half--but, after years of feeling self-conscious and insecure about her body, Deb stole the spotlight that night in a stunning black dress and sparkly Cinderella-style shoes. I was inspired--and reminded of the strength and power each one of us has to achieve our dreams through hard work and determination. Consider, too, the Success Stories in "We Did It, and So Can You!" page 116, which showcases six women who together lost an amazing 477 pounds. As you'll read, they didn't drop the weight with any miracle pill or crash diet. Their secrets to success? Simple strategies anyone can follow. Your new mantra for 2010: "If they can do it, I can too."

As one very wise acquaintance said to me recently: Think of your life as a book, with yourself as the main character. Everyone and everything else is secondary. You, and only you, can write your life story the way you want it to play out. So this January, create your award-winning novel: you! Make this your year to get rid of those extra pounds--for good--firm up your abs so you can ditch the cover-up and show off your body in a bikini, tone those Replica Concord Watch flabby arms so you can wear sleeveless tops, and achieve your dreams. You can do anything you set your mind to. And if you ever doubt yourself, just turn to Deb's column for inspiration.

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Wish we'd feature more fast and easy workouts you can do at home with zero tools? Have a fat-laden recipe you'd like us to make over? Want to see yourself on our back page, YOU ... in Shape? Tell us what's on your mind! Write to me at ; I read every letter. After all, we create
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VALERIE LATONA, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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