After losing close to one hundred pounds, Weight Watchers spokesperson Jennifer Hudson may be her tiniest self, but girlfriend is having her biggest year ever. The American Idol cast-off turned Oscar winner talked to the Daily Mail about her new life, and gives some solid words of inspiration to her fans:

On the effects of her drastic weight loss:
I got publicity for what I was doing before I dieted. But never to this extent. Now, whenever I open a magazine, I seem to see myself there. And I get to dress up every day and have someone take photos of it all. For someone who loves fashion, it’s like living the dream. Of course there are those mornings when I think, “Please don’t look at me right now!” But you just have to pull yourself together, get out there and do your job. I mean, how lucky am I to be in this position?
The truth is, so many more opportunities open up when you’re on the other side, as I am now. I’d no idea what I was missing out on. It’s like a whole other world. Suddenly every designer wants to dress you. It’s like, “You look amazing! Please, choose a dress. Have a bag. And what about shoes?” I mean, wow!
On her son, David, Jr.:
He’s very much his own person, a little performer who loves to sing and dance. He’s so charming, too. Yes, I’m biased, but I’ve never seen a child with such presence. He says “hi” or “bye bye” to everyone when he comes in or out of a room, and goes round blowing kisses to everyone. My phone is completely backed up from videoing everything he does, because he surprises me constantly.
On facing her fears:
From now on I refuse to let anyone interrupt the vision I have for myself. Sometimes I think we hurt ourselves by being too aware of the challenges. It can be better not to know. With Dreamgirls, I had absolutely no idea what I was letting myself in for until I was out there on the set. I was like, “Beyoncé, I’m your biggest fan. You’ve no idea how much I love you. But right now, it’s my turn. I’ve got to get on and do my job here. You bet I grabbed the opportunity.
On being an inspiration to other women:
I’ve never heard the word “inspiration” as often as I have this past year. I get stopped in the street, in airports, everywhere, by people saying, “You’re my inspiration,” and I don’t begin to know how to respond. What did I do to deserve it and what do I say? Like with the weight loss… I’d no idea so many people were watching me or that they cared.
My message to young people is to stay positive and not to doubt their dreams. There are things we long to do in life but think we’re not good enough or clever enough to make happen. Just go for it! Dreams do come true. If anyone’s proof of that, it’s me.

(Photo: Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup)