“I was so disappointed with myself for going back to that. That was 9 years ago, and the whole trajectory of my life has changed since.”

Hi, I’m Hannah Loewentheil, and as a Senior Writer at BuzzFeed I write about all things lifestyle, especially parenting, travel, and food.

"...That night, to celebrate the event, I got blind drunk and woke up the next day with my medal still on, not knowing how I got home. I was so disappointed with myself for going back to that after doing something so positive for myself and never drank again. That was 9 years ago, and I've never drunk since, and the whole trajectory of my life has changed. I'm a semi-serious runner, fit and healthy, and just about to complete a degree in exercise physiology in 8 weeks to change my career to help others like me."

"...Earlier this year I read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, and it sparked something in me. I was sick of living in shame and fear and decided to “come out” and tell everyone about my disease, and start wearing a variety of different wigs - short, long, vibrant colors, wavy, straight. I feel alive and free now, and as it turns out, everyone has been so supportive and accepting. People are respectful and curious, and no one has said something mean to me. I feel attractive most days, and I have even had random guys flirt with me, which is new to me (I got divorced last year, unrelated to any of this except the fact that I stayed too long in an unhealthy and unhappy relationship because I was afraid no one else would love me)."