Speak positively to yourself. I constantly challenged the voice and fears inside
me that underminded my needs, rights, and desires.
Create visual reminders. I surrounded myself with books, pictures, and sayings
that gave me permission to eat guilt-free, knowing it would result in stronger and clearer
thoughts, decisions, and feelings.
Take responsibility for yourself. I made a decision to no longer be a passive
victim, but an active agent in my own life. That meant making decisions that worked for
me.
Take risks. Instead of isolating myself, fearing failureand not reaching my
potential, I became publicabout my eating disorder- I told people about my struggle. This
diminished the power of silence, fear, and lonliness.
Accept and work with help. At one time I thought I had to get better on my own so
I resisted the support of friends, family, and professionals. While it is true that I
needed to make the decision to get better on my own, I needed to feel others supported me
even when I had to learn by making mistakes.
Make planned changes. I set small goals to reach majordesires. Take one day at a
time.
Keep a Journal. Recording my thoughts and feelings over time helped me see how I
was changing.
Enter into relationships. I benefited
from the healing of friendship. Friends reflected an image of myself during our
interactions. Relationships helped me to find out who I was, what I wanted to be, and with
whom I would share my life.