“I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am. I am. I am.” — Sylvia Plath
Plath’s quote helped me through numerous occasions when it was all I could do to simply breathe. July 4th used to be one of them. Holidays can be incredibly stressful when you have an eating disorder, ranging from mildly stressful to panic attack inducing. I’m grateful that all of that’s in my past now, and saddened by the vast number of people who can relate.
If you are one of them, I hope you’ll find the following post helpful. I’m honored to be a guest on the National Eating Disorders Association’s blog, sharing tips on navigating the 4th of July when food, your thoughts and your body seem like enemies. I seriously wish I could hug you! Instead, I bring you this:
To read the full post, click the above image or this link.
Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy weekend. ♥
Seems like so many of our national holidays have become solely about food while the meaning of the holiday has been lost.
Very true, Steve. Shifting focus can be a powerfully beautiful thing.
For a number of years now, the only two things I have wanted for xmas are to see the people most important to me and to down a few glasses of eggnog (non-alcoholic). No desire for gifts anymore.
Those are the greatest gifts, Steve. Cheers.
I amazes me how important food is to most social occasions. But it’s not just eating disorders that make them hard for people. Dieting, or a food allergy/intolerance can make life hell on earth at events that include food.
For me, it’s gotten to the point where I’d rather stay home than to go to a place where there might be food. I’m tired of feeling like a freak, especially after finding out that some of the people closest to me resent being asked about the ingredients in food. In fact, I was so hurt and offended by an insulting comment last month that I’ve decided that for any future get-togethers, parties or reunions, I won’t show up until after the food part is over. I’ll eat before I go, drop my kids off with our food contribution, and then go park somewhere and read for an hour or so before I return. It’s just not worth the stress. Food, or the fact that my choices are so limited now, is truly ruining certain parts of my life.
I certainly feel for you, Kristy, and you’ve brought up great points. Millions more struggle with disordered eating (which includes strict and compulsive dieting) than anorexia or bulimia. And those allergies and intolerances can definitely wreak havoc emotionally.
I hope you’re able to find peace and joy within and regardless of your challenges. You so deserve it!
LOL…I’ll get to that place eventually, thanks. Right now, stupid as it sounds, I think I’m actually going through a grieving process. Thinking about picnics, reunions, etc…just annoys me.
That doesn’t sound silly at all, Kristy. I’ve been there, too.
Wonderful topic. Personally, I need to lose weight because I’m uncomfortable weighing as much as my husband does (for the first time ever – damn you, menopause!); but I can’t seem to lose weight in any “normal” way. Knowing the issues with the “abnormal” way to control weight, I bob helplessly along and do my best to eat healthy and exercise without hurting myself.
Any way you look at it, it’s frustrating.
Any cause would be blessed to have you, August.
Well done.
I love your post – and of course your article as well. I”m sorry I’m so behind everything and didn’t reply further to your post!! You’re such an amazing writer!!!
Sending you hugs!!
Wonder and inspiring post August. Happy 4th to you and your family!
My compulsive eating is more related to seasons than particular holidays. I actually do a little better during the summer holidays than fall and winter.