I often speak about full recovery from eating disorders and about being “recovered.” Like many of my colleagues, I believe in full recovery from this insidious illness. In my work, many women and men have shared their visions of “recovered” with me.
Please take a moment to read Leslie’s beautiful vision below. Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your story with us. You inspire us all!
Jenni
My Vision of “Recovered.”
by Leslie (Painesville, Ohio)
No more food rules, no more “should” and “should not” statements.
Numbers on a scale or inside of clothing will be meaningless.
Internal peace and a positive sense of self will permeate from within.
I will say with conviction, “I am proud of who I am.”
No need to keep things locked up inside. Rather, I will communicate my needs, thoughts, and emotions freely and honestly.
During difficult times, fleeting thoughts of restriction may occur. I will have the tools though to challenge those thoughts and cope effectively.
From time to time, I may want to avoid pain, trials, and uncertainties - just like anyone else I know.
Alternative ways of coping with difficult situations may periodically come to my mind - again, just like anyone else I know.
I will NOT label myself “anorexic” though based on fleeting thoughts.
Recovered doesn’t mean that I’m still anorexic.
Recovered means that I am now living my life free from a destructive disease called “anorexia.”
I am free from it, no longer controlled by it.
I AM FREE!
I AM RECOVERED.
Hello.
My name's Jan Mayberry.
I'm a reporter writing a story for the Chronicle about eating disorders.
I'd like to interview you and instill your viewpoints regarding eating disorders into my story.
I'm available for interview by phone or e-mail.
My story is due November 5.
If you're available for an interview anytime before that particular day, we can set up a date and time to talk.
Thank you very much.
Posted by: Jan Mayberry | October 17, 2009 at 05:28 AM