This is my transformational story and it is my intention to share it with the world.
The more we discuss the implications of eating disorders, their symptoms and behaviors; I find that we will get more of those same behaviors.
I feel that, after coming out on the other side of this transformational journey, we need to focus on empowerment and look at the messages we are sending to our children and all members of society -that we are not enough -that we need more - that there is someone outside of us that knows what is better for us than we do.
In conjunction with medical intervention, we need to spend funding on programs that empower individuals to become active participants in their own lives and learn how to listen to their bodies.
Eating Disorders are not about the food - as many have stated so many times before - they are about how we feel about ourselves as human beings, living on this planet.
Somewhere along the line being selfish and having self-care became construed and children were taught not to think about themselves.
Well -at the age of 36 -I am learning that my life is indeed about me -just like your life is about you and it is not until I learn to acknowledge and love all parts of myself will I be able to live a healthy life.
I say healthy -not thin. Health has nothing to do with numbers -well - I no longer feel the need to wear the perfect size or be the perfect weight.
When I walk into the doctor and they ask me to step on the scale I simply say "I don't do that -thank you anyway" There are so many ways to decide whether or not someone is healthy.
What is the answer to eating disorders??
LOVE for myself as a human being -because somewhere I got the idea that I wasn't enough.
I want the world to know my story and that Eating disorders are NOT pretty and there are so many who are suffering because they don't fit the DSM IV criteria -I was told for a long time that I didn't look like I had an eating disorder - I was told to simply eat from all the food groups.
The individuals that made those suggestions to me were not in my chaotic mind with all the negativity swarming around -telling me that the world would be better off if I were dead.
Empowerment is the answer -taking an active role in our own lives and learning how to really listen to one another and to give one another the dignity of our own life journey and simply being with us.
That is just a glimpse of what I have to say in regards to eating disorders - I am very passionate about this topic because I have lived it and spent years having others tell me there was nothing they could do - or that "I didn't look like I had an eating disorder" and in essence they were telling me to get over it.
Eating disorders are not something to get over -they are something to be embraced with love. When we love the parts inside us that hurt -the healing process can begin.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.
