healthy is beautiful.

Around the world magazines, the media and scientists are trumpeting the fact that you do not have to be a size six to be considered healthy and attractive.

Even People Magazine devoted its April 12 cover story examining the disastrous consequences of people's quest to be thin.

But thanks to a special workshop, seven local women recently learned to accept and embrace themselves, regardless of their body types.

"We don't want to kill ourselves to get into a certain size,'' said Roma Crockwell. "We are happy with ourselves.'' The women all took part in a style, poise and confidence workshop, aimed at boosting self esteem, sponsored by Trims Plus on Front Street.

"Coming to these workshops has made me learn that I am a beautiful person,'' said Cristina Portius. "After the first class I walked out of here and felt very positive.

"People have to know that we're people too and that we have feelings,'' she added. "We don't just sit around on a couch and eat all day. I try to be healthy, I walk, but I have been through three pregnancies.

"We're just normal, but phenomenal people.'' Perhaps the desire and pressure to be thin is no greater than with teenagers.

But 16-year-old Sabrina Powell said she will not succumb to the `thin is in' mentality some of her peers subscribe to.

"I am just as beautiful as them, but I'm just a different size,'' she said.

"I am beautiful.'' The teen also said that others were beginning to notice and comment on her increased confidence.

"People have noticed that I walk differently,'' she pointed out. "You can see that I'm confident.'' And she urged other teens to stand proud regardless of their size. "Don't worry about what other people think, if they talk about you -- so what.'' "Don't give the time of day to people who bring you down,'' added Clara Jones. "Negative attitudes do not work.'' And the women were eager to share some special tips and words of wisdom for other women who were filled with self-doubt.

"Start feeling good about yourself,'' advised Brenda Mungal. "It has to come from within, no one can do it for you.

"Love yourself and then love others, that's the whole idea of being happy, you have to be happy with yourself.'' "Just remember that we all come in different shapes and sizes,'' Percylin Caisey pointed out. "You're special -- feel that you are special.'' Andrea Wilson recommended that all women, regardless of their size, should attempt to get a little exercise every day.

"Try to walk or do some type of exercise each day no matter what size you are,'' she said.