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This means we rely on donations from our readers (people like YOU!) to keep our site running.
If you enjoy this article and find it helpful, please consider donating $2 towards our work--every little bit helps!What are you free from?
I am free from shame.
What does ‘freedom’ mean to you?
Freedom means living without the voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough. It means being able to accept myself for who I am while still striving to learn and grow. It means using my experiences to help others instead of hiding out of shame.
Share a bit of your story and the journey that brought you from where you were to where you are today:
Before sharing my story, I was fearful to let anyone know what I was going through.
Eventually, I realized that my story could help others who felt alone in their eating disorders.
Sharing my writing for the first time with people who actually knew me was terrifying. Now, I feel such a sense of freedom about not having to hide something that has shaped who I am.
I have learned that being vulnerable is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Now that you are “Free from Shame,” how would you compare your life before experiencing this sense of freedom to your life after?
When I was sick with an eating disorder, I hid my pain and shut everyone out. During the recovery process, I did not allow anyone in to support me.
It took me years to begin sharing my story.
In the beginning, I only shared it through my writing on the internet but kept it hidden from people in my real life. Slowly, I started to speak about my experience and eventually I shared it openly.
I realized that I have so much to offer others who are struggling.
Sharing my story through writing and mentoring helps me to find meaning in everything I went through.
I wouldn’t wish an eating disorder on anyone, but it has changed me for the better and given me a perspective that I now use to help others.
What message do you have for others who can relate to your story and may feel trapped or alone right now?
When you’re struggling, speak up. Ask for support. You don’t need to go through anything alone.
There is nothing shameful about needing help.
If you’ve recovered, share your story in a way that feels safe. You can use your voice to help others.
Sharing who you truly are and what you’ve been through can be really scary, but it feels better than hiding.
Amy
Amy is a full time mom and former teacher living in Massachusetts. She enjoys reading, running and playing with her kids. She strives to use her story of recovery to help others suffering with eating disorders.
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