Summer

The summer light at the end of the tunnel continues to shine brighter.

Time abroad leaves ED behind. There are anxiety-provoking challenges – meeting new people, erratic meal schedules, and the dreaded bikini on the beach time. Lauren adopts her therapist’s suggestion to practice authenticity. Who cares what people think? After all, she’ll never see most of them ever again. And she keeps up her journal both as a travel log and as a coping skill to slow down anxious thoughts that can spiral out of control when left unattended.

The lovebirds are reunited. Poor body image remains. This is common at this stage –2-years into recovery. Apparently, it can be the last thing, if ever, to go. How many adults do we know who have a positive body image? It’s one of the curses of our culture today. But it is possible, even for people who have recovered from an ED. The goal is full recovery. What does that mean? In the absence of an agreed upon definition in the field of mental health, I have developed one that was inspired by various practitioners and those who have recovered:  “The absence, for several years, of ED thoughts and behaviors.” Acceptance is part of this, and possibly the hardest. Perhaps someone will never like his/her belly, chin, or big toe! The key, though easier said than done, is to suspend judgment and allow acceptance to fill the void.

“Step Away from the Mean Girls…
…and say bye-bye to feeling bad about your looks. Are you ready to stop colluding with a culture that makes so many of us feel physically inadequate? Say goodbye to your inner critic, and take this pledge to be kinder to yourself and others. 

This is a call to arms. A call to be gentle, to be forgiving, to be generous with yourself. The next time you look into the mirror, try to let go of the story line that says you're too fat or too sallow, too ashy or too old, your eyes are too small or your nose too big; just look into the mirror and see your face. When the criticism drops away, what you will see then is just you, without judgment, and that is the first step toward transforming your experience of the world.” 

― Oprah Winfrey