Special Topics
How I Learned To Love Myself During My Eating Disorder Recovery
I love myself, who I am, and what I have to offer myself and others. Did I always believe that? Nope! Can you say that you love yourself? If you are with Ed, then I can imagine that it is difficult to do. I’m sure he is telling you that you aren’t loveable and can’t offer anything; he told me that when I was with him. If he is telling you that, I am here to tell you that HE IS WRONG. You CAN love yourself. You ARE loveable. You DO have something to offer others.
Eating Disorders, A Silent Epidemic
Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which is Feb. 22 to 28, may bring added attention to eating disorders, but the light it shines on the disease is relatively faint, compared with the attention given to other life-threatening illnesses.
Let’s Kick Body Shaming To the Curb and Embrace Body Positivity
Body Shaming. We all do it whether to our self or to those around us. To make matters worse, magazines, TV and social media bombard us with body shaming messages every day.
The Importance of Self-Awareness in Yoga and More Importantly Life
Recently, I joined Walden Behavioral Care as the Marketing and Community Relations Associate for South Windsor. Previously, I worked in the substance abuse and addictions world. As someone new coming to join the fight against eating disorders, it has been incredible to recognize how much more aware I have become to hearing people’s comments regarding weight and appearance, as well as those seen, read or heard in the media and advertising. Prior to coming on board at Walden, I had experienced weight shaming and I am sure I have overheard others being ridiculed or judged based on weight. It never truly bothered me like it does now.
Recovery Resolutions
The new year is a time to think about desired future goals and accomplishments. Unfortunately, it is also a time of year that society tends to focus on diet and exercise, rather than the other things they are capable of achieving. This can present a challenge for those currently facing the demon of an eating disorder.
Make a Commitment to Change
Today is not the start of a New Year. In fact, we are still a few days away from the New Year. That means I still have some time to ponder my New Year’s resolutions. I have a question though. Isn’t that the wrong way to approach change in my life? Why wait for a specific day to change my life for the better? Is the karma of the New Year going to make me more apt and successful with my goals?
Aly Raisman Reflects on Her Year As Walden’s Spokesperson
"When I started working with Walden as an official spokesperson, I really didn't know what to expect because it is such a unique and creative partnership that was unlike anything I had ever explored before. I had been a spokesperson for an organization whose message was saying no to underage drinking and yes to a healthy lifestyle, I had been a spokesperson for jewelry, water, leotards, shoes and dolls, but this was an opportunity for me to make a direct impact on an issue that a lot of people either a) are directly impacted by b) don't know much about or c) are too afraid to talk about. As professional athletes, we are given a platform to have a voice and to make an impact on issues that are important to us, and my partnership with Walden allows me to do just that.
Goals and Steps
During my recovery, I knew I was taking steps forward, but sometimes it felt like I wasn’t moving at all. I had a hard time seeing progress when it seemed like I was mostly working on learning to eat and handle difficult feelings. Plus, I wanted to be done already! I wanted recovery now!
Understanding ARFID: A Case Study
Our understanding of eating disorders is constantly evolving. One of the eating disorders the world is less familiar with is known as Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and has only recently become a recognized disorder. Often mistaken for “picky eating,” this disorder is very real and can lead to severe malnutrition and medical consequences.
Something for me and something for you…
During this past weekend I went shopping. I went to the Mall and various stores around my house to run errands and to buy myself a few things…….I succeed. I don’t take these actions for granted as I owe this act of buying myself things, without guilt, to my recovery.