Want to become anorexic? Do not become anorexic, but do not listen to me, here is what you need to know about anorexia from someone who went through this experience. I received the following email from Sarah Stewart (sarahspearsstewart.com).
“Hey there,
I found your web site today, and have been reading through and enjoying it. I wanted to make a comment about the post on “how to be anorexic.” I want you to share with girls what I’ve learned – I struggled with anorexia for about 15 years, starting with a change of schools and some issues at home when I was 15. I wanted to be “thinner,” although I already had a great body.
Anyway – the only thing I got, or other girls I know who were anorexic got – out of it – was madness. Your life became an endless struggle between food and will and missing out on so much – social and emotional. I didn’t connect with people because I was always hiding and didn’t want people to tell me to eat. I isolated myself, like many anorexics do. As for my body, it was either too thin to the point that people thought I had cancer, or bouncing back and forth 10 pounds where I never felt comfortable.
Another thing – I became an exercise-o-holic. I tried lots of diets, Zone, Atkins – etc.
Anyway, fast forward five years, and I was pregnant with my first child. This changed my life. I didn’t/couldn’t exercise as much. And when my son was born, I never knew such joy and fulfillment. Today, I exercise when I can for health and mostly enjoy stretching and pilates. And by not obsessing about food all the time – I lost five pounds, a weight I have been at for the last two years now.
Today, I eat three meals with my son, and dinner with my family. I don’t obsess about food or my body, but am thankful for what God has given me, and more so for my life, and family.
Tell girls – that anorexia is a lie. That it’s one thing to get healthy and another thing to turn all your focus on being someone you are not – or achieving some goal that can’t love you back or give you anything buy heart ache.
Tell them they’ll be better off to look outward for their fulfillment than inward. I know that sounds strange, but I’ve found I am truly happy when I focus on life and others and giving.
Best,
Sarah”
Like I said, do not become anorexic!