Last week, when I asked Bridget to be my guest blogger, I had no idea what she would write about --- as is the case with any guest blogger. Obviously, I want that person to focus on what is working for them (and their struggles) in order to lead a healthy lifestyle, but they have creative freedom with what they want to share and how they choose to share their story. When I read Bridget's story, it sent a flood of emotion and reminded me of a time . . . albeit a brief period of time . . . when I battled a slight eating obsession. This is not a comparison to Bridget's experience, which is an awesome story of survival, it just reminded me of a dark time and I thought I'd share it with you.
The picture that came flashing back as I was reading last week's blog was that of Tayler's first birthday - I can remember it so clearly. I was a size '0' . . . at Petite Sophisticate! If you remember that store, then you know a size '0' there was TI-NY! At 5'0" and a 100 lbs, I knew that carrying around a fanny pack filled with Honey Nut Cheerios was not healthy. Ok . . . so I didn't carry cereal around in a fanny pack, but I did have an obsession with Honey Nut Cheerios. I thought that if I ate only cereal, I could stay small. And if you know me at all, then you know my body structure is made for more than 100 lbs.
It's probably important to mention that with both Tayler and Parker, I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD). It's a genetic disposition - my mother and grandmother both had PPD. It hit me hard and with all the other stresses life brings with having two children 21 months apart, the food obsession was something I could control. Thankfully, I had (and still have) a very supportive husband who took hold of the situation and helped me out of that hole. Whether it's a friend, a spouse, or a relative - we all need help at some point from someone we love and trust.
Most of us have deep seeded issues that take us over at some point. I have many memories of my childhood that come flashing through at odd times. My father was an alcoholic his entire life, my mother was obese throughout my childhood and with those circumstances come trying times. Is that the whole story? Definitely not, but my point is that just looking at someone doesn't tell you all they're facing in life. Overeating, under-eating, overexercising, bulimia, anorexia, etc. - what ever the issue, it's a sign of an emotional issue that you are choosing to deal with in a negative and/or unhealthy way. And I TOTALLY GET AND UNDERSTAND that, BUT life is too short to be wasted on such negativity. YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT to deal with your issue and enjoy life. My saving grace has always been my determination . . . and the fact that Patrick was placed on this planet specifically for me and he basically saved my life. Together, we dealt with my emotional issues as a result of my childhood. There are others who have it easier than you and many who are dealing with much more painful issues. Overcoming significant life obstacles is up to you. You have to find the will power, engage those who will support you, and move forward.
Have a great rest of the week...:))
