logo

Square-Peg Spotlight

Interview with Janice Taylor

To continue reading from the newsletter, please start reading after the page divide.

Janice Taylor
photo credit: www.peggydyer.com

On the back of her first book, Our Lady of Weight Loss, Janice Taylor is labeled a "weight-loss coach, weight-loss artist, and creator of the popular e-newsletter "Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club."

How do you see yourself as a Square-Peg?

I'm not really sure why I am a Square-Peg person, but I know I am. Clearly, there's nothing round about me!

... I'm following a dream...I understand that my brain works from an intuitive/creative place. I'm not coming from a cognitive or intellectual place. I see things from a different angle - people say to me: "I never thought of it that way."

A friend of mine used to say that I was a a Square-Peg who jammed myself into a round hole - and made it work!

Janice said that, prior to Our Lady of Weight Loss (click on the link to read a Square-Peg review of the book), she "...worked in the corporate arena and I was very creative about the way I worked."

She gave another example of her Square-Pegness:

When I was 49 I joined a group of women. I have a problem with comprehension sometimes when I read... When I went in I found that the group was all corporate women...I showed up in my best artist's outfit; a hand made t-shirt with my favorite cow print pants! - and walked in to a row of suits.

What's been the hardest for you as a Square-Peg?

We measure everything by numbers. How much we weigh; how much money we make; how many books are sold. I think living by the numbers is enough to drive anyone over the edge.

In her book, Janice mentions experiences of growing up overweight.

I feel like I'm "outside" - and I felt particularly like that when I was growing up. I thought I was fat, stupid, ugly - had something seriously wrong with me. I didn't realize it was a good thing {being Square-Peg}. Now I say "Praise Be - I'm Square."

How do you maintain your Square-Pegness in a round-hole world?

I've had certain losses and traumas in my life. I think that, when tragedy hits, you either find a way to get meaning or you collapse.

Some people have just accepted that they're almost "done" - and they're just moving through whatever happens. At this point in my life, I am happy to say that I am not "done." I'm reinventing myself - every day!


I make it up as I go along. I have no idea where I'm going and I like it that way. It's a joyful ride...What might happen today?!

I'm always on the look out for other Square-Peg People. I'm driven by fun. My husband says that I'm always looking for someone to play with.

What's your favorite Square-Peg trait?

I've come to appreciate seeing things differently than other people. Whatever it is - my brain, however it works - I like that it's not like anyone else.

I like that I have a certain unique quality. I'm sure we all do. It's a matter of seeing it and going with it.

Janice didn't mention her humor as one of her favorite Square-Peg traits - but I have a feeling that she'd agree it's very important to her. Not only is her book filled with humor, lightness and fun - but she was hilarious during our interview. Unfortunately, I can't recreate Janice's fast flair for words or adorable and energetic voice - so keep your eyes open for one of her frequent tv or radio appearances.

What's your favorite book?

I sometimes read 10 books at a time. I guess my favorite is Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain, I have 98% of it highlighted! I'm reading Seth Godin books now. I go on reading sprees. Ten books; one after the other. And then I enter a non-reading period. I'm reading books on the history and politics of food. Just started my next pile.

What can a Square-Peg learn from Janice?

Janice uses her art consciously! She did this, as she describes in her book, to change her relationship with food.

We all express ourselves in our art - it can't be helped. Our art always tells who we are and what we are growing through. But this can be done subconsciously. It's so much more to our advantage to incorporate consciously using our art for growth.

Humor, humor. Janice plays with her subject - food, eating - she takes it seriously, but still has fun.

Humor can - and does - change your life.

Janice combined humor and using art consciously as she created a new job description. She calls herself a "weight-loss artist". Actually the FIRST weight-loss artist, that's "someone who makes art about food instead of eating it and, in the process, loses weight."

I need a new relationship with food - and I'm getting excited about using art to transform other parts of my life . I keep forgetting about the marvelous power of art - thanks, Janice.

Visit Janice's site, Our Lady of Weight Loss.com,to read more about Janice Taylor, join her Kick in the Tush club, or get more weight loss information.

Here's Janice's favorite book:

Remember that buying books through the Amazon affiliate links below helps support Square-Peg-People.com, AND doesn't cost you a penny more!



*Disclaimer: The information/opinions that Square-Peg-People.com (or our contributors) offers is NOT intended to substitute for
qualified medical or psychological assistance, but as an adjunct to it. If you are thinking about hurting yourself
or anyone else, please seek professional help immediately.

All articles on Square-Peg-People.com copyright©2005-2007 Karen Caterson, Square-Peg-People (unless otherwise noted). All rights reserved.

Site by Jazz Street Design