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I went to the British Book Awards that evening. After the award ceremony I bumped into a woman I hadn't seen for nearly three years. The first thing she said to me? 'You've lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw you!'
'Well,' I said, slightly nonplussed, 'the last time you saw me I'd just had a baby.'
What I felt like saying was, 'I've produced my third child and my sixth novel since I last saw you. Aren't either of those things more important, more interesting, than my size?' But no – my waist looked smaller! Forget the kid and the book: finally, something to celebrate!"--JK Rowling
That's an excerpt from her website. I will gladly hold her up as a role model for my daughters. Here is someone who faced poverty and rejection. She didn't give up. She didn't compromise her principles. She took care of herself and her kids. She didn't turn into a helpless quivering mess.
And, it seems, kept a good head on her shoulders as well.
JK Rowling, I salute you!