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Editor’s Note: In this interview, we have the honour of featuring Jess Demasi from Wholly Healed! We asked Jess what ‘Freedom’ means to her and asked her to share a bit of her story with us. We also asked Jess to tell us how she is empowering others to access freedom. (If you would like to be featured, please contact us)
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What does Freedom mean to you and what are you “Free from”?
Freedom means being unabashed in myself, completely at home in my body, my soul, myself.
I am free from expectations. Expectations of others, myself, society. I’m done. I no longer want to let other people’s expectations dictate what I should look like, dress like, act like, or be like in my life. And I’m done taking those expectations and placing them on myself.
Freedom means being unabashed in myself, completely at home in my body, my soul, myself.
What does ‘Freedom’ mean to you?
Tell us a bit of your story. How did you get from where you were to where you are today?
I developed an eating disorder at the age of 15. I didn’t know how to cope with emotion, I didn’t feel safe to be vulnerable, and so I spent most of my time holding my life with a suffocatingly tight grip. That grip carried over into food restriction. It was another way for me to feel in control and assure myself that yes, I can control the world and prevent pain.
I finally realized I had a problem halfway through college and tried to do the recovery thing all by myself, not even going to God. I didn’t really let anyone help me and I’m convinced that is why it was such a long, painful process.
Over the years I recovered and discovered my purpose for helping women heal their own relationship with food and their bodies. My life has been rich and free ever since.
I recovered and discovered my purpose for helping women. My life has been rich and free ever since.
Describe the contrast between how your life looked and felt before experiencing this sense of freedom and after?
Sobering. Finding freedom required a hefty dose of reality: realizing that no, you can’t make everyone happy and no, that isn’t even your job.
Taking that a step further and creating healthy boundaries to further protect the new found freedom can really change your relationships because when you become free, it can threaten those that are still imprisoned.
Finding freedom required a hefty dose of reality.
How are you committed to sharing this message of Freedom with the world and what change do you wish to inspire?
My entire business is dedicated to helping women find their freedom by breaking free from the chains of societal beauty standards, lies over self-worth, and anything else that imprisons them!
My entire business is dedicated to helping women find their freedom.
What message do you have for others who may feel trapped or alone right now?
There is never wasted pain. I know we could all do without some of the hardships in our lives, but if you let them, these dark times can be the catalyst for change and transformation unlike anything else.
You are worth fighting for. There is always hope.
There is never wasted pain. You are worth fighting for.
What are you Free from? Share your “Free from” photo + personal definition of ‘Freedom’ on Instagram and tag us (@liberomagazine). Learn more
More About the Jess
Jess is a Certified Eating Psychology Coach specializing in Functional Endocrinology and Mind Body Nutrition. She is passionate about helping women feel at home in their bodies, both physically and emotionally, and setting them free from the chains of expectation. Find her at whollyhealed.com for some anti-diet women’s health info and on Instagram (@whollyhealed) where she breaks down shame barriers with her infamous #tabootuesdays.
Did you know “Libero” means “Free”? Libero started with a story shared by our Founder Lauren Bersaglio back in 2010. We believe when we share our stories we can champion mental health, end stigma, and spread hope. We would love to have you share your story and celebrate freedom with the rest of the Libero community! Click here to learn more!
SITE DISCLAIMER: The opinions and information shared in this article or any other Content on our site may not represent that of Libero Network Society. We hold no liability for any harm that may incur from reading content on our site. Please always consult your own medical professionals before making any changes to your medication, activities, or recovery process. Libero does not provide emergency support. If you are in crisis, please call 1-800-784-2433 or another helpline or 911.