I was just thinking today about how much progress I've made in the last few weeks. I'm not sure what spurred it on, and how long this motivation will keep on going for, but I'm just amazed at all I was able to accomplish in a relatively short time. Of course I still have my bad days, but it seems that I manage to keep my ED at bay even at time when things are rough for me emotionally. Not that I want to sound like I'm tooting my own horn or anything, it's just really encouraging for me to see that things are slowly getting better.
So here's what I've managed to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time:
- up my calorie intake to the point where I'm actually gaining weight
- introduce more balance into my diet (i noticed that before fruits and veggie were definitely a predominant group)
- conquer several fear foods- almonds, cheese, pizza, pasta, protein shakes (I'm still not 100% comfortable with some of these foods, but I can eat them without having major panic attacks and the like)
- introducing more variety into my diet
- being more in tune with my emotions
The calorie upping was a big one for me, as before i was so rigedly stuck on a certain number that I wouldn't even THINK about crossing it, even by just 10 calories. Now I just keep general estimates and not a detailed count. If I go over or under it's not the end of the world for me.
Here's my dilemma. In my quest to eat a balanced diet and include all the food groups in proper amounts I find myself almost too food conscious some days. I worry about weather I'm meeting this or that limit. I do eat MUCH more balanced then I did, and that's a definite plus. But in order to keep my energy intake at a number I can gain weight from I count calories. As I said, it's usually a very general estimate and I don't stress much about it. But is that counter-productive? I'm hoping once I get into the "gaining groove" I won't have to worry about it as much and will more or less be able to eat without needing to count the calories. I have mixed feelings on this. Any advice?
I also want to celebrate a little victory I had today. I was wondering what to have for lunch and I decided I wanted a mushroom omelet. Then I thought about how delightful it would be with a bit of cheese. So I put that thought into action (cheese used to be a very firm part of my "I will never eat this again" list). Out of habit I cracked in 1 egg and 1 egg white. Then I looked at the leftover egg yoke and thought to myself "Why am I trashing this? Isn't it wasteful?" The answer came in a flash "Wasted calories. Unneeded fat." I immediately knew where those answers came from. It was that dark little corner in my mind that still feverishly clings to some old habits and mentalities. And it was time to challenge those thoughts. So before I could change my mind I quickly whipped in that extra egg yoke and enjoyed a delicious and very filling omelet. I waited for the wave of guilt, but nothing came. All I could think of was the fact that this was the best omelet I've had in a long time. It was a good reminder to me that I don't need to fear breaking these habits or mindsets, it's good for me to set challenges for myself so I can keep moving forward -even little day to day challenges like this.
I do have some goals in regards to my eating that I want to reach. And since I seem to be extra motivated of late now is as good a time as any to start heading in the right direction.
- Have heartier breakfasts. I am ALWAYS hungry in the morning, even after breakfast and snack, and usually end up famished by lunch. Time to practice some intuitive eating and satisfy my hunger.
- Take time to enjoy my food. Recently I am in such a hustle that I hardly take the time to enjoy what I eat. It's more of a chore, something that I HAVE to do. I think that although food is an essential part of life it can and should also be enjoyable. I just need to learn to stop and enjoy it.
- Add more healthy fats into my diet.
- Not restrict after a weigh in (this happened last week). I didn't really restrict per se, I just didn't add my supplements, but I guess that's basically the same thing.
Well that's all for now. Tomorrow I'm seeing my psychologist and getting weighed. Fingers crossed that all goes well.
Take care all!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Things that make me happy.
Let's start the post off with some positiveness- shall we?
I've had a few rough days this past week, but I've found that the best way to deal with negative emotions and feelings is to take a moment to stop and appreciate all that I do have. As one of my friends says to me all the time: "There is beauty in everything, you just need to stop long enough to find it." Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives, be it problems at home, stresses at work or school, anxiety provoking incidents, that we forget all the beautiful things that surround us. So here is a short list of the simple things in my life that make me happy:
Coffee. It's one of life's simple joys. Drinking coffee in the morning is a ritual that I absolutely love. It's not just about the taste or the caffine. It's about having that moment to sit down and let everything else pass you by while you enjoy the moment.
Books. I love books. I regard reading as almost a sacred ritual. I love hiding myself in a quiet corner and losing myself in a different world for hours. It's such a simple activity, yet it relaxes me better then a full day at the spa (I'm assuming, since I've never actually spent a full day at a spa)
Sleep. I'm not much of a sleeper, so I usually end up staying up late in the evening and waking up early in the morning. So I really savor the times I can take a nice nap during the day, or sleep that extra hour in the morning. I love my warm bed, my million pillows (I sleep with a lot of pillows :p)and just drifting away....
Oatmeal. Another ritual thing, but I love eating warm oatmeal in the morning while sipping my coffee. It's filling, easy for me to digest - not to mention yummy and nutritious. Makes my mornings all that much more enjoyable.
Walking. I never thought I'd say this, as usually I'm one for more vigorous types of exercise. But walking in the sunshine on a autumn day, watching the leaves fall down, clearing my mind; without having anywhere in particular to go or any set agenda; is really a highlight of my day
This list could go on and on, but I think it would get boring for all of you to read.
Actually I started writing this post with only these few things in mind, but as I started writing I thought of more and more. There are things that are difficult and unpleasant. That's just life, people all over the world have problems. But I have a choice. At the start of every day I can choose to focus on the problems and difficulties, or I can enjoy the moment and all the little things that make me happy. Today I choose to do the latter, and I hope I will make that choice more often from now on.
If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. ~Frank A. Clark
Do you have any formulas for brightening up a difficult day? What are some of lives simple joys that make your life all that much happier?
I've had a few rough days this past week, but I've found that the best way to deal with negative emotions and feelings is to take a moment to stop and appreciate all that I do have. As one of my friends says to me all the time: "There is beauty in everything, you just need to stop long enough to find it." Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives, be it problems at home, stresses at work or school, anxiety provoking incidents, that we forget all the beautiful things that surround us. So here is a short list of the simple things in my life that make me happy:
Coffee. It's one of life's simple joys. Drinking coffee in the morning is a ritual that I absolutely love. It's not just about the taste or the caffine. It's about having that moment to sit down and let everything else pass you by while you enjoy the moment.
Books. I love books. I regard reading as almost a sacred ritual. I love hiding myself in a quiet corner and losing myself in a different world for hours. It's such a simple activity, yet it relaxes me better then a full day at the spa (I'm assuming, since I've never actually spent a full day at a spa)
Sleep. I'm not much of a sleeper, so I usually end up staying up late in the evening and waking up early in the morning. So I really savor the times I can take a nice nap during the day, or sleep that extra hour in the morning. I love my warm bed, my million pillows (I sleep with a lot of pillows :p)and just drifting away....
Oatmeal. Another ritual thing, but I love eating warm oatmeal in the morning while sipping my coffee. It's filling, easy for me to digest - not to mention yummy and nutritious. Makes my mornings all that much more enjoyable.
Walking. I never thought I'd say this, as usually I'm one for more vigorous types of exercise. But walking in the sunshine on a autumn day, watching the leaves fall down, clearing my mind; without having anywhere in particular to go or any set agenda; is really a highlight of my day
This list could go on and on, but I think it would get boring for all of you to read.
Actually I started writing this post with only these few things in mind, but as I started writing I thought of more and more. There are things that are difficult and unpleasant. That's just life, people all over the world have problems. But I have a choice. At the start of every day I can choose to focus on the problems and difficulties, or I can enjoy the moment and all the little things that make me happy. Today I choose to do the latter, and I hope I will make that choice more often from now on.
If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. ~Frank A. Clark
Do you have any formulas for brightening up a difficult day? What are some of lives simple joys that make your life all that much happier?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Small victories
Today I made a rather meaningful step in my recovery. I ate a pizza dinner with my family with no guilt attached.
I was thinking of making something special for my dad as it is his birthday and (ironically enough) I am the cook of the family. He's been going on forever and ever how he wanted pizza. So pizza it was to be. The question was "Would I be strong enough to eat and enjoy it without guilt?" And I was! I ate more then I planned to because I was hungry, but instead of filling up on salad I ate what I really wanted - more pizza. It was yummy! I forgot how good it was - haven't eaten it for over a year now.
We all sat down to a relaxing family dinner. We ate, talked and laughed. It felt so good to be "normal" just for a minute. To eat and enjoy a meal without thinking about the calories. To let yourself go and just enjoy the moment. I missed that. I missed the feeling that I wasn't the "odd one out". Usually at these kinds of occasions I would hide in my room, or avoid being in the general vicinity of the meal altogether. But no more! It's about time I stop letting food dictate what I do and don't want to do.
So here's to small victories, an enjoyable evening evening, family, friends and a relaxing weekend ahead.
Have you overcome a fear food recently? If so what, and how did you manage to do it?
I was thinking of making something special for my dad as it is his birthday and (ironically enough) I am the cook of the family. He's been going on forever and ever how he wanted pizza. So pizza it was to be. The question was "Would I be strong enough to eat and enjoy it without guilt?" And I was! I ate more then I planned to because I was hungry, but instead of filling up on salad I ate what I really wanted - more pizza. It was yummy! I forgot how good it was - haven't eaten it for over a year now.
We all sat down to a relaxing family dinner. We ate, talked and laughed. It felt so good to be "normal" just for a minute. To eat and enjoy a meal without thinking about the calories. To let yourself go and just enjoy the moment. I missed that. I missed the feeling that I wasn't the "odd one out". Usually at these kinds of occasions I would hide in my room, or avoid being in the general vicinity of the meal altogether. But no more! It's about time I stop letting food dictate what I do and don't want to do.
So here's to small victories, an enjoyable evening evening, family, friends and a relaxing weekend ahead.
Have you overcome a fear food recently? If so what, and how did you manage to do it?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Struggling
I wanted to blog yesterday, but by the end of the day I was so emotionally exhausted that all I wanted to do was sleep. And I slept for a good 9 hours.
I'm not going to lie, yesterday was the worst day I've had in a long time. Everything started off fine. I was a little nervous about my appointment with my psychologist, as I haven't seen her in a while and I was worried it might be awkward.
To be honest though, what I was most worried about was getting weighed. You see, there's been a lot of pressure from the people around me for me to gain weight. My family puts a lot of pressure on this point, and since there hasn't been any really noticeable progress till now, they were starting to "strongly suggest" hospitalization. So yes, anxiety levels were getting up there, but once I got into my psychologist office I was fine. I honestly forgot how nice she was! I know it's her job and all, but I feel like she's genuinely interested in me. Maybe I'm just an unusual case so I'm interesting. Who knows? In any case we had a good conversation and I felt relaxed afterwards.
Then I had a "hallway hit-up" with my GP, who seems to be the most insensitive person on the planet. We have a semi "nonprofessional" relationship because she's my aunts best friend (I only found this out later, after I had been "referred" to her by my aunt). After discussing "my situation" with my aunt they decided to strongly recommend an ED clinic because of my "lack of progress". For one, this doctor hasn't seen me in a month, so she isn't aware of any progress (or lack of it). For two it's horribly unprofessional of her to discuss my personal medical matters with my aunt.
Well I'm rather upset by this to say the least and then I go to get weighed. Beep - the number reads 3 kg heavier then I was last month. Broken down that doesn't sound bad, but for an ED person that saw that number MUCH lower last time it was shocking. Still, I refused to let myself get too rattled and returned home.
That evening my aunt comes in saying she just got off the phone with my aunt, telling her to convince me to go into IP. She starts telling me this in front of a bunch of people, at the most inappropriate time ever. At that point I just had a panic/depression attack. My last hospitalization was one of the worst experiences of my life, mainly because of a lack of professionalism and competence by the staff there , so it triggered a lot of negative emotions for me. That combined with the "big" weight gain I had nearly put me over the edge.
I tried to talk to my family about it, but no one seemed to understand me and my feelings. I cried till I fell asleep and I woke up still depressed. But then I realized that I need to put the past and fears of IP behind me. I need to use my voice and tell my doctor (as difficult as this may be) that the way she is handling my situation is inappropriate. As far as weight gain, I am more then that number. To be honest I've been at this weight for so long that I've almost come to identify with that number. But gained weight = good. I can't start restricting just because that number was higher. I need to listen to the logical part of my brain that tells me
a) I haven't gained all that weight in a week just because I upped my calorie intake.
b) I will not keep gaining forever till I am obese.
c) This weight gain is not "wasted" just because I might go to IP. Relapsing now won't make things better or keep me out of there.
So I am not going to change a thing with my eating regiment this week, although I get hit with thoughts of "this is too much food" at every turn. This is not too much food, this is what my body needs. This is what gaining weight will give me:
- a prettier, healthier body
- more energy
- warmth (for the freezing months ahead)
- permission to exercise
- general health
- reassurance to the people around me that I am making progress in conquering my ED
- the ability to go to University next year
I need to read this list over and over every time I want to restrict. Limiting my food will do nothing but harm me in the end. These thoughts are only thoughts and it's time to start challenging them. It's time for me to start taking my own advice and living it. This is a test- a test of my dedication to recovery, a test of my inner strength, a test of how I handle anxiety and negative emotions. I will pass this test! I am strong enough. I will smile through my tears and forge ahead.
Strength doesn't always roar, sometimes strength is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow, and never, ever, ever give up".
I'm not going to lie, yesterday was the worst day I've had in a long time. Everything started off fine. I was a little nervous about my appointment with my psychologist, as I haven't seen her in a while and I was worried it might be awkward.
To be honest though, what I was most worried about was getting weighed. You see, there's been a lot of pressure from the people around me for me to gain weight. My family puts a lot of pressure on this point, and since there hasn't been any really noticeable progress till now, they were starting to "strongly suggest" hospitalization. So yes, anxiety levels were getting up there, but once I got into my psychologist office I was fine. I honestly forgot how nice she was! I know it's her job and all, but I feel like she's genuinely interested in me. Maybe I'm just an unusual case so I'm interesting. Who knows? In any case we had a good conversation and I felt relaxed afterwards.
Then I had a "hallway hit-up" with my GP, who seems to be the most insensitive person on the planet. We have a semi "nonprofessional" relationship because she's my aunts best friend (I only found this out later, after I had been "referred" to her by my aunt). After discussing "my situation" with my aunt they decided to strongly recommend an ED clinic because of my "lack of progress". For one, this doctor hasn't seen me in a month, so she isn't aware of any progress (or lack of it). For two it's horribly unprofessional of her to discuss my personal medical matters with my aunt.
Well I'm rather upset by this to say the least and then I go to get weighed. Beep - the number reads 3 kg heavier then I was last month. Broken down that doesn't sound bad, but for an ED person that saw that number MUCH lower last time it was shocking. Still, I refused to let myself get too rattled and returned home.
That evening my aunt comes in saying she just got off the phone with my aunt, telling her to convince me to go into IP. She starts telling me this in front of a bunch of people, at the most inappropriate time ever. At that point I just had a panic/depression attack. My last hospitalization was one of the worst experiences of my life, mainly because of a lack of professionalism and competence by the staff there , so it triggered a lot of negative emotions for me. That combined with the "big" weight gain I had nearly put me over the edge.
I tried to talk to my family about it, but no one seemed to understand me and my feelings. I cried till I fell asleep and I woke up still depressed. But then I realized that I need to put the past and fears of IP behind me. I need to use my voice and tell my doctor (as difficult as this may be) that the way she is handling my situation is inappropriate. As far as weight gain, I am more then that number. To be honest I've been at this weight for so long that I've almost come to identify with that number. But gained weight = good. I can't start restricting just because that number was higher. I need to listen to the logical part of my brain that tells me
a) I haven't gained all that weight in a week just because I upped my calorie intake.
b) I will not keep gaining forever till I am obese.
c) This weight gain is not "wasted" just because I might go to IP. Relapsing now won't make things better or keep me out of there.
So I am not going to change a thing with my eating regiment this week, although I get hit with thoughts of "this is too much food" at every turn. This is not too much food, this is what my body needs. This is what gaining weight will give me:
- a prettier, healthier body
- more energy
- warmth (for the freezing months ahead)
- permission to exercise
- general health
- reassurance to the people around me that I am making progress in conquering my ED
- the ability to go to University next year
I need to read this list over and over every time I want to restrict. Limiting my food will do nothing but harm me in the end. These thoughts are only thoughts and it's time to start challenging them. It's time for me to start taking my own advice and living it. This is a test- a test of my dedication to recovery, a test of my inner strength, a test of how I handle anxiety and negative emotions. I will pass this test! I am strong enough. I will smile through my tears and forge ahead.
Strength doesn't always roar, sometimes strength is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow, and never, ever, ever give up".
Monday, October 25, 2010
ED lies and body image.
I was looking for some new photos to put up on facebook today when I came to an odd realization - I don't have any recent pictures of me.
"Why?" You might ask. Well I was rather puzzled at this interesting phenomenon myself I had a sudden flashback of myself systematically going through my pictures and deleting them.
This might seem odd to some (ok most) people, but the truth is I did find a few left on the computer and I still didn't put them up. The reason for this is because it is honestly painful for me to look at myself. I am honestly uphalled when I see my body. I look like a 12-13 yr old sickly little girl. It's sad, really sad.
I remember when I first started losing weight, and how thrilling it was for me to see that number go lower. As I developed my eating disorder I assigned myself a "goal weight". Actually I had several. One was one I honestly attempted to reach and the other one was more for show, to advertise how pro-ana I was. It's sickening for me to hear myself say this, but sadly it's true. I never actually really wanted to lose as much as I did. I am now 8 kgs lower then my 1st goal weight and 2 kgs lower then my "ultimate goal".
The sad thing is that my ED always told me that I would like myself better if I was only a "little bit thinner". When I first started loosing weight I dreamed of the day I would reach my ideal. I would take pictures of myself in a bikini and put them up, so everyone could praise me for my "well kept body". I would wear skimpier clothes, because I would finally be confident enough to do so.
That was a total lie.
The skinnier I got, the more self-conscious I got. I pilled on layers of clothes, first to hide the "fat" and after a while just to keep myself warm and to hide the fact that I was so thin from others. I never took pictures in a bikini, actually I've only worn one once in the whole time I've had my eating disorder. And I've never gotten a compliment as to how my body looks. Instead I've been called sick, scary skinny and unattractive.
Me at a healthy weight.
Me (not a recent picture) at a much lower weight (note the scarf that I put on for the sole purpose of hiding my protruding bones)
It's funny though, I didn't learn my lesson 1st time around. I went into IP, regained all my weight and then set out to lose "just 2 kgs". Did I stop? No. Why? Because it was the same little voice that made me look at my stomach in the mirror and say "Just another kg, then you'll be content". Until I reached the point I am at now.
While I was still in the depths of my ED I remember clothes shopping. I went into a clothes store and headed for the kids section. I picked up a pair of short - too big. Next size down - too big. Finally I picked up a size that I thought might fit and went into the dressing room. It was at that moment I finally saw what everyone else had been seeing all along.I looked at myself and saw a virtual skeleton. Bones sticking out everywhere, pale skin, goose bumps all over (though it was the middle of summer) The shorts fit alright, but I hardly filled them out. The size 10-12 years old. I cried as I looked at myself. I wanted to stop this madness, I wanted a way out. I just didn't feel strong enough.
I hope I can remember this lesson. I hope I can keep the image in that mirror forever in my mind. No matter how "fat" I feel or look, I need to remember that the little voice that whispers to me is LYING. When I am thin I am not beautiful. I am ashamed of my body. I am self-conscious. And I am not happy.
Contentment will not come with a number on a scale. Contentment will not come with fitting into this or that size. Contentment comes with accepting that you are unique and beautiful in your own way. When you come to see that, that's when you will be happy.
"Why?" You might ask. Well I was rather puzzled at this interesting phenomenon myself I had a sudden flashback of myself systematically going through my pictures and deleting them.
This might seem odd to some (ok most) people, but the truth is I did find a few left on the computer and I still didn't put them up. The reason for this is because it is honestly painful for me to look at myself. I am honestly uphalled when I see my body. I look like a 12-13 yr old sickly little girl. It's sad, really sad.
I remember when I first started losing weight, and how thrilling it was for me to see that number go lower. As I developed my eating disorder I assigned myself a "goal weight". Actually I had several. One was one I honestly attempted to reach and the other one was more for show, to advertise how pro-ana I was. It's sickening for me to hear myself say this, but sadly it's true. I never actually really wanted to lose as much as I did. I am now 8 kgs lower then my 1st goal weight and 2 kgs lower then my "ultimate goal".
The sad thing is that my ED always told me that I would like myself better if I was only a "little bit thinner". When I first started loosing weight I dreamed of the day I would reach my ideal. I would take pictures of myself in a bikini and put them up, so everyone could praise me for my "well kept body". I would wear skimpier clothes, because I would finally be confident enough to do so.
That was a total lie.
The skinnier I got, the more self-conscious I got. I pilled on layers of clothes, first to hide the "fat" and after a while just to keep myself warm and to hide the fact that I was so thin from others. I never took pictures in a bikini, actually I've only worn one once in the whole time I've had my eating disorder. And I've never gotten a compliment as to how my body looks. Instead I've been called sick, scary skinny and unattractive.
Me at a healthy weight.
Me (not a recent picture) at a much lower weight (note the scarf that I put on for the sole purpose of hiding my protruding bones)
It's funny though, I didn't learn my lesson 1st time around. I went into IP, regained all my weight and then set out to lose "just 2 kgs". Did I stop? No. Why? Because it was the same little voice that made me look at my stomach in the mirror and say "Just another kg, then you'll be content". Until I reached the point I am at now.
While I was still in the depths of my ED I remember clothes shopping. I went into a clothes store and headed for the kids section. I picked up a pair of short - too big. Next size down - too big. Finally I picked up a size that I thought might fit and went into the dressing room. It was at that moment I finally saw what everyone else had been seeing all along.I looked at myself and saw a virtual skeleton. Bones sticking out everywhere, pale skin, goose bumps all over (though it was the middle of summer) The shorts fit alright, but I hardly filled them out. The size 10-12 years old. I cried as I looked at myself. I wanted to stop this madness, I wanted a way out. I just didn't feel strong enough.
I hope I can remember this lesson. I hope I can keep the image in that mirror forever in my mind. No matter how "fat" I feel or look, I need to remember that the little voice that whispers to me is LYING. When I am thin I am not beautiful. I am ashamed of my body. I am self-conscious. And I am not happy.
Contentment will not come with a number on a scale. Contentment will not come with fitting into this or that size. Contentment comes with accepting that you are unique and beautiful in your own way. When you come to see that, that's when you will be happy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
All about me :)
Alright, right now I'm actually having a bit of an food-related anxiety thing going on, but I'm not going to talk about that. I'm going to refuse to think about anything food related right now and talk about me (because I'm a little self centered like that :P)
Ok so without further ado, here are some facts about me:
- I come from a BIG family (5 brothers and 1 sister) and I am the oldest
- I have traveled to over 10 countries and lived in 5.
- I speak 3 languages (2 fluently, one conversationally) and I aspire to learn spanish
- Although I am not from the US or England and I have never visited any of those countries I speak English better then my "native language"(none of my parents are from England or the US either :P)
- I am a work-a-holic, I love being busy and running around doing this that and the other
- I LOVE dancing, it's the one thing that makes me amazingly happy (need to start again)
- I love sports - was offered a place on a professional female soccer league at one point, but I turned that down
- I love running :)
- I am a clean/organizational freak
- I am not an extremely "girly girl". I like looking attractive and wearing clothes that flatter me and all that, and (this is going to sound horribly cliche) I like being treated like a lady. But I'm not fussy and demanding, I can't shop for hours and I don't wear makeup every time I go out.
- I was practicing kung-fu at one point (yah I'm tough and hard-core like that)
- I am very loyal to my friends. I would cross hell or high water to help any one of them. But I'm not the type of person that considers a person I just meet a "friend"
- I'm not a "pet person". If I could have a pet I would want a snake or a falcon or something like that (I actually had a falcon as a pet for a while). Someday though, I want to have a big dog.
- I HATE cats. I cannot stand the creatures. But one day I saw this little animal with a collar on it that said "Please take me home. Winter is coming." And I just couldn't say no. He is the cutest! Turns out I have a double standard on this point.
(He's a kitten by the way, even though he doesn't look that way in the pics)
Ok, that's enough for now. Someday when I finally find a decent photo of myself to put up, I will.
Ok so without further ado, here are some facts about me:
- I come from a BIG family (5 brothers and 1 sister) and I am the oldest
- I have traveled to over 10 countries and lived in 5.
- I speak 3 languages (2 fluently, one conversationally) and I aspire to learn spanish
- Although I am not from the US or England and I have never visited any of those countries I speak English better then my "native language"(none of my parents are from England or the US either :P)
- I am a work-a-holic, I love being busy and running around doing this that and the other
- I LOVE dancing, it's the one thing that makes me amazingly happy (need to start again)
- I love sports - was offered a place on a professional female soccer league at one point, but I turned that down
- I love running :)
- I am a clean/organizational freak
- I am not an extremely "girly girl". I like looking attractive and wearing clothes that flatter me and all that, and (this is going to sound horribly cliche) I like being treated like a lady. But I'm not fussy and demanding, I can't shop for hours and I don't wear makeup every time I go out.
- I was practicing kung-fu at one point (yah I'm tough and hard-core like that)
- I am very loyal to my friends. I would cross hell or high water to help any one of them. But I'm not the type of person that considers a person I just meet a "friend"
- I'm not a "pet person". If I could have a pet I would want a snake or a falcon or something like that (I actually had a falcon as a pet for a while). Someday though, I want to have a big dog.
- I HATE cats. I cannot stand the creatures. But one day I saw this little animal with a collar on it that said "Please take me home. Winter is coming." And I just couldn't say no. He is the cutest! Turns out I have a double standard on this point.
(He's a kitten by the way, even though he doesn't look that way in the pics)
Ok, that's enough for now. Someday when I finally find a decent photo of myself to put up, I will.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Personal accountability.
It's time to face the facts.
I've been afraid of really jumping into recovery with both feet. I've been slowly, cautiously putting one foot down, then the other. I've been making two steps forward, one back; and doing this lovely little dance with my ED. I haven't in ANY way been toying with the thought of going back to my old ways, but now I've developed "new ways" that I find it very hard to stray from.
I'm not sure if I've said this but I've stopped counting calories. While this is definitely a big step for me to have taken, I didn't have anyone monitoring my intake. Recently someone suggested switching up the foods I eat a bit and I FREAKED out. I got angry, defensive. "What's wrong with the way I eat!" I said passionately "I eat HEALTHY foods." "Yes, but those aren't the foods that are going to help you gain weight". "Of course they are" I thought to myself "This is way more then I was eating before." True, it is way more. But when I sat down to count up the calories I came to this surprising realization. Regardless of how much food I thought I was eating, I was only really eating 1600-1800 cal. A number like that is maintenance only for my body. And I realized the only one responsible for my eating was me. The only one responsible for my recovery was me. Why do I cheat myself by thinking that this is ok, that I can stay at this place forever. Sure, I eat much more diverse foods then I did before, but that doesn't make me normal. I still have "safe" and "unsafe" foods, I will not eat certain foods because of their fat content. So who am I kidding here? Myself.
Do I want to recover? YES I DO!!! Do I want to recover even though it means weight gain? YES I DO!! So why don't I just get on with it already. Why don't I help myself? What am I waiting for. It's sad that people have to be talking about a hospital to help me gain weight when I haven't done everything I possibly can. I think it's about high time to start.
Yesterday I ate about 2000 calories, today it will be 2100. I will try to increase that number till I reach 2400. I've eaten yellow cheese today(major fear food) and tomorrow it will be gnnocchi (bigger fear food). And it's not going to stop there. I will keep challenging myself to more and bigger things, because that's the only way for me to win.
Ana you are a sly little bitch. Yes you've left me alone for the time being, but you threaten me with what will happen if I ever leave this place I am in now. You tell me about the horrible panic attacks, the sleepless nights, the overwhelming pain and nausea. But you are a LIAR. You always have been. You threats are all in my mind. As far as the physical pain I am going through and will be for some time - everything worth something costs something. So from now on I will defy you at every opportunity. I will not stick to the bounds you set for me. I will do what I want to do, and what is good for my body. So FUCK OFF.
It's my life. It's my body. It's time for ME to take control.
I've been afraid of really jumping into recovery with both feet. I've been slowly, cautiously putting one foot down, then the other. I've been making two steps forward, one back; and doing this lovely little dance with my ED. I haven't in ANY way been toying with the thought of going back to my old ways, but now I've developed "new ways" that I find it very hard to stray from.
I'm not sure if I've said this but I've stopped counting calories. While this is definitely a big step for me to have taken, I didn't have anyone monitoring my intake. Recently someone suggested switching up the foods I eat a bit and I FREAKED out. I got angry, defensive. "What's wrong with the way I eat!" I said passionately "I eat HEALTHY foods." "Yes, but those aren't the foods that are going to help you gain weight". "Of course they are" I thought to myself "This is way more then I was eating before." True, it is way more. But when I sat down to count up the calories I came to this surprising realization. Regardless of how much food I thought I was eating, I was only really eating 1600-1800 cal. A number like that is maintenance only for my body. And I realized the only one responsible for my eating was me. The only one responsible for my recovery was me. Why do I cheat myself by thinking that this is ok, that I can stay at this place forever. Sure, I eat much more diverse foods then I did before, but that doesn't make me normal. I still have "safe" and "unsafe" foods, I will not eat certain foods because of their fat content. So who am I kidding here? Myself.
Do I want to recover? YES I DO!!! Do I want to recover even though it means weight gain? YES I DO!! So why don't I just get on with it already. Why don't I help myself? What am I waiting for. It's sad that people have to be talking about a hospital to help me gain weight when I haven't done everything I possibly can. I think it's about high time to start.
Yesterday I ate about 2000 calories, today it will be 2100. I will try to increase that number till I reach 2400. I've eaten yellow cheese today(major fear food) and tomorrow it will be gnnocchi (bigger fear food). And it's not going to stop there. I will keep challenging myself to more and bigger things, because that's the only way for me to win.
Ana you are a sly little bitch. Yes you've left me alone for the time being, but you threaten me with what will happen if I ever leave this place I am in now. You tell me about the horrible panic attacks, the sleepless nights, the overwhelming pain and nausea. But you are a LIAR. You always have been. You threats are all in my mind. As far as the physical pain I am going through and will be for some time - everything worth something costs something. So from now on I will defy you at every opportunity. I will not stick to the bounds you set for me. I will do what I want to do, and what is good for my body. So FUCK OFF.
It's my life. It's my body. It's time for ME to take control.
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