Now Vs. Then: The Sad Reality

Some of my previous blog posts have discussed the media's distorted portrayal these days of the "Perfect Body". I found this photo online and thought it was a perfect example. Be(YOU)tiful and fight to not fall captive to what society says you need to look like! You deserve a HEALTHY and happy life <3

Too Skinny?

Today as I was surfing through my Facebook newsfeed a post caught my eye, it said, "Dear world there's no such thing as "too skinny"...if you say it ur only trying to make urself feel better for the simple fact that you wish you wer that skinny so please lets not say that about ppl no-one is ever too skinny." I was devistated as I read this and thought about the hundreds of girls that would read it as well and how it may drive them even further into their eating disorder. The media and society today have created the idea that there is no such thing as too skinny and that is exactly what is destroying individuals lives today. The actual word skinny is now being used by marketers of all industries as they market skinny jeans, skinny water bottles, Skinny Girl Margarita and many more. There is no limit to skinny anymore and less weight is being portrayed as the ideal for society. How about we start filling our society with thoughts of having a healthy body weight and maintaining a good diet with balanced exercise without being excessive. What if for once, a size six was acceptable and a size zero was simply unattractive? I absolutely disagree with the statement, no-one is ever too skinny, I believe skinny is out of control and everywhere I turn people are in fact way too skinny. If you are reading this today and feel discouraged by society's pressure that you have to be as small as possible, please think again, you are SO much more than your dress size and you deserve to live a happy and healthy life. One of my favorite quotes is, "Why are you trying to hard to fit in when you were born to stand out." Please join with me as I go against the societal norms and stand out as a happy and healthy individual  that is known for much more than my dress size.

Speak Up!

I remember when first starting recovery for my eating disorder I was so embarrassed to tell anyone about my struggles and did not want to reveal this dirty little secret  to the whole world around me. I always made sure that I avoided the topic at all costs. However, the other day I received a message from a dear friend's mom and it it made me realize how thankful I am that as I progress through recovery I become more and more open about my past with my eating disorder. As a result I am able to transform a horrible experience in my life into something with a purpose. I believe that my purpose is to reach out to those around me that are struggling with eating disorders, share my story and help in anyway that I can. The message was speaking about a very young girl that confided in her that she had been struggling with an eating disorder. As I read the message, my heart sank and I began to cry just thinking of this young girl and the pain and struggle she must be facing. I replied and offered to meet with her and try and point her in the right direction and I do hope that can come to pass. When I put aside my own pride and concern of reputation and made the decision to try and help others through my own mistakes, the door was opened to so much opportunity to make a difference. The scripture verse that came to mind as I reflect over this story is, Romans 8:28 which states, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." God has a purpose for my life and wants to make something beautiful out of all that has happened in my past. He has a purpose for your life too and is just looking for a willing heart to surrender to Him and His plans, out of that so much blessing flows. If you are in recovery today, even if it's just the beginning stages, you can make a difference. Speaking up about your recovery and what you have learned along the way could change someones life.