by Laura Kimball

Men make jokes about women who “go to the powder room” together. I have often wondered about that phenomenon. Recently, I have come to the conclusion that women instinctively know that, in numbers, we are a powerful force. The “cat-fight” mentality is a thing of the past. Giving up out-dated ideas of competition with each other and seeing each other as enemies, women have given themselves permission to be friends with each other.

Take one of the groups to which I belong: a weight-management group. Perhaps, dear reader, you look wonder why I would take something as personal as weight-management and put it into a group setting. The reason is simple: at those meetings, I am in the company of my sisters. These women understand me and my logic. They support me in my goals. They know, from experience, the pain and frustration I have felt. They empathize with me in a way that a man (no matter how much I may love him) cannot. Face it men, stretch marks are not something that I can discuss with you in a meaningful way.

Take a look at some of the women in my group:

Mireille is always ready to exercise. It didn’t matter what day of the week, what plans she’s made, if I need someone to work out with, Mireille is there for me.

Cathy will push me a little harder, encourage me try a little more. She isn’t overbearing, she just knows when I have a little more to give. She has some sort of instinct about it.

Rhoda keeps me honest. She is so happy for me when I lose another pound; those Peanut M&Ms lose their power to tempt me away from my eating plan. Rhoda just glows when I am successful. How can a $0.45 treat compete with that??

Daphne is my stalwart companion through thick (and I mean really thick) and thin. She brings a healthy snack to my desk when the vending machine is calling my name. On a business trip we took together, who convinced me that a half an hour on the treadmill would be better than watching a re-run of “Magnum PI,” no matter how attractive Tom Selleck is?

Loretta is a fountain of cheerfulness. Even when the workout has left me sore and aching, Loretta is happy. How can I complain when she is so happy to be included in our group and when the friendship that she extends to me is so genuine?

We all admire Ruth who keeps a smile on her face and encourages each of us as we go through this journey of weight loss. Ruth has been the one to loss the most weight and most important to her is that we each be as successful as she.

Everyone looked toward Carol when they needed someone to laugh with and Claudia never let us down with her happy disposition.

Corin, Liza, Wendy, Trudy, Wendi, Katie - each them bring their love and support to one another as we journey to our new healthy lifestyle. Our sisterhood is strong!

Each woman in our group adds something special to my life. I could go on and on about each one. These women empower me with their friendship, their wisdom, their goodness. With them, I am not alone in my battle with the bulge; I am part of the army of women who are successful and smart. I have the power of their years, their intelligence on my side.

Sound good? Why not join my group? There is always room for another friend.

To join our weight-management group, contact her at Tahitian Noni International 801-234-1000, extension 2530. Or email her at .  We have the answer with Tahiti Trim Plan 40!!