As 2020 becomes a memory, the words I hear to describe the year most are “dumpster fire.” And, in many ways, that is accurate. COVID-19, in particular, has been devastating. I lost two beloved family members this year — one of them to COVID-19. However, for me, 2020 has also Read more
The message that I found most helpful in this book was this: I need to accept myself at a higher weight.
For me, January used to be a month of “healthy eating” and exercise, quickly followed by a February of chocolate and rest. During my recovery journey, I realized I could not make progress toward recovery while perpetuating this harmful cycle. Thus, I abandoned traditional new year resolutions. In January 2019, Read more
Trigger warning: This post includes stories of suicidal ideation. If you or a loved one is considering suicide, get help! You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, call 911. Suicide affects us all. As the tenth leading Read more
And Its Real-World Consequences for Survivors Content warning: This post includes details of sexual assaults. If you may find this triggering, read it with a support person, such as a therapist or good friend, or save it for later. Welcome back after Body Compassion Blog’s hiatus. Beginning in September 2018, I had to take a break from writing in order to prioritize other aspects of my self-care: restarting therapy with a new therapist, working Read more
Gratitude Challenge One simple, five-minute daily practice can enhance your relationships, improve your physical health, improve your psychological health, improve your sleep, boost your self-esteem, and increase your progression toward personal goals. That practice is gratitude. I want these things for you (and for myself) so that is why I am Read more
The Truth About Emotional Support Animals I have seen countless articles, blog posts, books, and podcasts that tout the healing power of animals in recovery from eating disorders and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. There is another side to this story, though. If your experience with Read more
HOPE Trigger warning: This post has content related to relapse and eating disorders. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline. Call (800) 931-2237, or use the “Click to Chat” option. If you are experiencing a crisis, call 911, or text Read more
Forgiving the Man Who Triggered My Eating Disorder I am learning to forgive myself for things that I have done or experienced about which I have felt self-loathing, guilt, or shame. The Mighty’s My Mighty Month challenge for June also challenges us to forgive others if that feels possible and Read more
Cultivating Self-Compassion Through Forgiveness Trigger warning: This post includes content related to mental illness. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1 (800) 273-8255 or by internet messaging. Many people living with eating disorders and other Read more
