Some Loving Inspiration
A few weeks ago, I got married. It was a beautiful day. Even though I wasn’t the best bride in-planning (thank you, now husband!), I had a great time with lots of laughs and some very good stories. A couple of those stories are that the back closure of my dress popped off and I broke a chair – ha! After the wedding, I was joking with a girlfriend that thank god my body image issues are behind me. If they weren’t, my breaking a chair and busting through my ...
Here, I was. On the side of the road. In my hometown. Being pulled over for driving 5 miles above the speed limit (eye roll). As the officer came up to my car, asking me why I was speeding, I apologized. I told him I didn’t realize I was speeding and that I was just trying to make it to my yoga class on time. He asked for my license and registration and walked to his car. He came back shortly, handing over my license and registration. Officer: ...
Just as I was walking back from dinner, my girlfriend shot me a text about a comment someone made on my new Facebook profile photo. “Jane Doe’s {name changed for privacy} Facebook comment? I mean come on. Don’t ask that on Facebook.” I had no idea what she was talking about. I deleted the app a couple months back. But, my girlfriend had me intrigued … and a little concerned. What in the world could have been said? I downloaded Facebook and saw the comment… It was from a woman, ...
When I was 16, I wanted to work at this restaurant called Java Grill. It was a burrito joint that did burgers, smoothies, and coffee drinks. It was a seat yourself, grab your food behind the counter kind of place. It was about a 20 minute walk from my house and I could get tips. I wanted a job and I wanted my own money. So, one random summer day, I went in and applied to be a counter person. Right after I handed in my application, I was told ...
Peanut butter used to be my “vice.” I always wanted it, but never let myself have it. At the time, it just didn’t fit into my self-imposed diet plan. It was too high-calorie. Too small of a portion size. Too much fat. During my time in-between undergrad and grad school, I used to waitress and bartend at the Harvard Club. Bartending always threw me for a loop because I never knew any of the drinks customers were ordering. If it wasn’t wine or a martini … I’d be asking the ...
The other day I received an email from a reader that hit me hard. It echoed so many of the same thoughts and beliefs I had at her age. But more importantly, I think so many of us echo these same thoughts and beliefs – at any age. If you’ve ever felt like your body was holding you back, your body wasn’t good enough, or your disordered relationship with food and your body image was taking over, keep reading. This one is for you. THE QUESTION (names removed to preserve ...
It was dark out. I was exhausted. And was just about to step off the train from a 12-plus hour day. I so badly, just wanted to go home, rest, eat, and call it a day. But, I had packed my gym bag that morning and there it was, hanging over my shoulder, nagging me to workout. The thoughts raced through my mind: The only workout you ever regret is the one that never happened. No pain, no gain. Excuses are for quitters. So, instead of going right, I ...
We all have beliefs, stories and thoughts that make us who we are today. Sometimes they hold us back; sometimes they propel us forward. Which do yours do for you? Mine were holding me back… I remember it like it was yesterday. But it was over 12 years ago now. It was about 9 p.m. on a Friday, and I was hungry (so hungry). So, I ate the only thing I had around, which I wasn’t petrified of eating this late – a 100-calorie pack of fat-free pretzels. ...
Named one of 100 Women to Watch in Wellness by Athleta & MindBodyGreen!
How to Handle the Fear of “Overeating” in Eating Disorder Recovery
How to Handle Fatphobic Food & Body Comments from Family & Friends (& Other Humans)
Attunement in Eating Disorder Recovery
The Power of Noticing in Food & Body Image Healing Work
Nurturing a Better Body Image: Respecting Your Values & Body