Recovered.® by Jenni Schaefer

What Does Recovered Really Look Like? --- Please share your thoughts!

I am speaking in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 3rd. I am so excited about this event, because the topic is: What Does Recovered Really Look Like? Since you guys posted such great comments on my last blog entry, I wanted to get your feedback regarding this topic as well.

Being recovered means something different to each of us. I used to think that I would be fully recovered when I reached a healthy weight and ate in a balanced way. I have since learned that, for me, "recovered" means much more than just that.

I am a healthy weight, and I eat in a balanced way today. But I can finally say I am recovered, because I have found joy and peace in my life as well. Before I reached this point of freedom, I experienced many versions of what I call "mediocre" recoveries. These "mediocre" recoveries were stepping stones (necessary pieces of the puzzle) for me to get completely better.

I am grateful to the people in my life who encouraged me to move past mediocre to "fully recovered." Please share your comments here about what recovered means to you. Also, share any versions of "mediocre" and what you did (or are doing) to move past them. Thanks so much!

For those of you who live in or near Las Vegas, please join me:

Center for Change Las Vegas Open House - Wednesday, June 3rd

6-7 pm: Meet and Greet
7-8 pm: Presentation: WHAT DOES RECOVERED REALLY LOOK LIKE?
Place: Center for Change Las Vegas
7455 W. Washington Ave., Ste 160
Las Vegas, NV 89128
702-252-8255

Open to professionals, family, and friends.

Shuttle service available for BFI Conference Attendees: Shuttles will leave Green Valley Ranch (Hotel Lobby Valet) at 5:15 PM to arrive at Center For Change at 6 pm. Return shuttle service will leave Center For Change at 8:15 PM, returning to Green Valley Ranch by 9 PM.

Ed Myths --- Please share your thoughts!

I am doing an upcoming workshop with Rebecca Bass, LMFT, and Megan Holt, MPH, RD in Carlsbad, California called "Myths & Meaning: Recovering from an Eating Disorder."

This title got me to thinking that I would love feedback from you guys about the myths that you have experienced (or continue to experience) along your recovery journey. What myths about eating disorders have people told you that negatively impacted your recovery? Or what myths does society believe about eating disorders that have impacted your walk along recovery road?

For instance, I used to believe the common myth: Only people who are apparently overweight or underweight may have or will have eating disorders. Since I believed this myth, I didn't think I deserved help for my eating disorder when I looked normal. Of course, the truth is that people with eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes, every number on the scale.

Some common myths about eating disorders that impacted my recovery are listed on my website: http://www.jennischaefer.com/truth.php

What is your experience? Please share any and all thoughts. Your feedback will help me a lot and is much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

Jenni

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For those of you who live in or around Carlsbad, here are event details:

Saturday, June 27th
9 am - 12 pm
Carlsbad Senior Center
799 Pine Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008

The event is free and open to everyone. Donations will be accepted for those who would like to contribute to the National Eating Disorders Association.

RSVP to Melanie Aldis at maldis@centerforchange.com.

EVENT SPONSORED by CENTER FOR CHANGE and POTENTIA FAMILY THERAPY, INC.

In Memory of Melissa Avrin

Hi everyone. Sadly, I am reminded again of just how deadly eating disorders can be. I heard the news that we have lost one more soul to the illness. If you would like to offer support to friends and family members of Melissa Avrin, please see the memorial page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=182313650466

We must all continue to fight this illness in our own way. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, continue working hard in therapy. If you are a family member or loved one of someone with the illness, continue to offer support.

If you are recovered, decide in your own way how to contribute to the cause. Maybe you want to volunteer with NEDA or just share your story with specific people in your life who you think might benefit. You don't need to write a book or become a therapist to join the cause. You just have to be willing to speak the truth when the time is appropriate.

To Melissa's friends and family, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. Melissa's story lives on to help others.

God bless,
Jenni