What I Want to Hear

     Back in August I made a post titled "What Not to Say to Someone with an Eating Disorder." After thinking about it and wanting to write this post for a while, I am sharing now what I DO want to hear, and sometimes need to hear while fighting my eating disorder.

     Sometimes I may know things in my head, but not truly believe them or give myself permission to do them unless someone else says it to me. From a logical, non-ED viewpoint, this seems silly. I should believe myself, but often, I don't. I struggle with what is true and not true, with what is right or wrong, what I should do or shouldn't do. While the list of things that I don't want to hear seems fairly large (and could probably be infinite), the list of things that I do want to hear feels relatively short.

• You are doing what is right
• Is this what you need to be well/healthy?
• How can I support you?
• I want to help. How can I?
• Hang in there
• Do what you need to be well
• I always want to hear about you beating ED
• Great work
• The fact is, you are doing a great job!
• Ed is a liar, deceiver, and accuser
• What would Jesus say to Ed? What would Jesus say to you?
• Is Ed winning right now?
• You are making great progress
• Keep your chin up
• It is difficult, and that's okay
• You deserve a better life than this one where food takes up so much space
• What can you do to get back on track?
• Do what is best for you, not what ed says is best for you
• What are your thoughts on [tool, strategy, or resource to beat Ed]?
• Almost anything else about tools, strategies, and resources to beat Ed

     The list of things that I do want to hear has been mostly compiled from communications that I have with those on my support team. They have allowed me to reflect and to be positively encouraged in this fight, even when it feels and seems that I am losing the battles. The people on my support team were definitely intentionally placed in my life to help me heal and move along this difficult journey at this point in time. They are fundamental in maintaining some clarity and sanity on this challenging road. 

     I created a handful of things on this list as well, however, I do want to point out and recognize that what is helpful (or harmful) to me, may not necessarily be the case for other people suffering from eating disorders. Additionally, some of the things on this list would be received differently depending on who the words are coming from. As always, be sensitive and aware of what other individuals may need in their own recovery and if you are worried about saying the "wrong" thing, know that purely listening is wonderful on it's own. 

     Best of luck on this wild ride.

I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.

I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.