When we came across Joni Fitzgerald’s heartfelt piece, “Being Thin Didn’t Make Me Happy, But Being ‘Fuller’ Does,” we felt compelled to reach out for an interview. In her essay, Joni articulates, “Happiness is not synonymous with being thin. Being larger does not equate to sadness.” She recounts her journey of striving to maintain a size 4 physique, only to find true joy when she liberated herself from rigorous workouts and embraced being “unapologetically larger.” Since the essay’s publication on Ravishly, Joni has graced platforms from the Today show to Rachael Ray, and her story has been highlighted in prominent outlets like the Daily Mail and the Chicago Tribune. We wanted to dive deeper into Joni’s experiences, so we invited her, a mother of five and a registered nurse, to participate in our Q&A session (stay tuned for more insights from Joni on parenting in future posts).
Q&A with Joni Fitzgerald
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What’s a skill you wish to acquire?
I’d love to learn how to play the guitar. My father gifted me his old guitar—the very one he played throughout my childhood—when I turned 30. I’m still struggling with it. I won’t give up, but let’s just say I’m not exactly a prodigy. -
What is a destination you’ve been longing to visit?
My husband and I have been talking about a trip to France for ages. It simply has to happen soon. -
Who deserves a thank you note?
I owe a huge thank you to my high school teacher, Clara Thompson. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer a few years back. I used to find her quite annoying (to say the least), but she genuinely believed in me and my potential. I never acknowledged it back then, but she was the first person who made me feel like I mattered. -
What were your Friday nights like at age 12?
I spent those evenings trying on fancy dresses that were handed down from my older cousin. I would pretend to be either Demi Moore or Brooke Shields, wearing oversized bras and stuffing them. And, of course, munching on Doritos and Ding Dongs. -
Who did you create your first mixtape for?
I can’t recall his name, but I think it was Mark. I do remember including “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder, along with several hits from New Edition, like “Mr. Telephone Man” and “Cool It Now.” My mixtape skills improved over time—thankfully, I stopped relying on a tape recorder to catch songs from the radio. -
What childhood story do you wish would stop being told at family gatherings?
For some inexplicable reason, everyone insists on recounting the time I stuck a bean up my nose. I kept it a secret and eventually sneezed it out—sprouted. Totally not embarrassing at all. -
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Address your bipolar disorder. Just because you have it doesn’t mean you’ll end up like your mother. Treating it can significantly enhance your quality of life. Don’t delay seeking a diagnosis. Do it now. -
What’s your specialty in the kitchen?
Cake! I’m a cake aficionado, and it’s definitely my forte. -
Do you have a motto?
It changes daily, but it can either be “Don’t forget to be AWESOME!” or the well-known yet meaningful, “Be the change you want to see.” Thanks, Gandhi, for that gem. -
If you don’t have a motto, what’s your theme song?
James Taylor’s “Secret of Life” resonates with me: “Enjoy the passage of time.” -
What movie or TV show lifts your spirits?
“Love Actually” will always restore my faith in humanity.
This article was originally published on March 11, 2005. If you’re interested in more engaging content, consider checking out our other blog posts on the subject of home insemination here. For those looking to explore artificial insemination further, Make A Mom is an excellent authority on this topic. Also, don’t forget to explore Drugs.com for valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Joni Fitzgerald’s journey reflects the importance of self-acceptance and mental health. Her candid advice and experiences serve as a reminder that happiness comes from within, and it’s never too late to seek the help you need.