Wednesday, November 25, 2009

EATING DISORDERS & RECOVERY: ARIELLE'S "MANTRA"...

Arielle Bair (Becker)Arielle Bair (Becker)

I can't tell you how delighted I was to receive the e-mail below from my dear friend, Arielle, last night in response to my post, AN OPEN INVITATION: SHARE YOUR STORY, THOUGHTS, OPINIONS...

After recovering herself, Arielle has committed her life to helping others who are struggling with eating disorders. Her compassion and dedication have no bounds, and I am honoured to have her as a friend.

Here is Arielle's e-mail:

"Hi there, I just read the latest post on your wonderful blog and thought I'd drop you a line to share some of my thoughts. As you know, I have quite a few thoughts regarding eating disorders (!) so I thought to myself, if I had to choose one thing to say to Medusa's readers, what would it be?

And here's what I decided. I feel very strongly about it, so I thought I'd share it with you and your readers, if you so choose. I know you get a ton of mail and I can certainly relate to that!

I consider this a mantra of sorts. A declaration. A personal proclamation to take to heart.

Recovery is possible.

It's not a guarantee. It's a possibility.

It's not simple. It is difficult and sometimes seems impossible.

It's not a one-step process. It's a multi-step process complete with twists and turns and bending roads...and roads you didn't even know were there.

It's not the same for everyone.

It's not always a happy process. It's not always a sad process.

It IS empowering.

It's not about pleasing other people. It is not about them. It's about YOU.

It's not about perfection. It IS about emotion. It IS about honesty. It IS about self-discovery and self-affirmation.

It's not about what you don't have. It's about using what you've got.

It's not about hiding. It's about finding and displaying.

It's not a quick-fix. It's a lifelong plan set into motion by truth and nurturing and self-love.

It's not about external factors or environment. It IS about what's within.

It is not crazy. It IS real.

Recovery is possible.


I think reading and re-reading this "mantra" is a good way to keep things in perspective.

So there you have it. That's what I'd share. :) If you'd like to share it on your blog, you have my permission. I wrote it all.

Take care,
Arielle

Arielle Lee Bair (Becker)
arielle.becker@gmail.com

Please take a moment to check out Arielle's websites. They're amazing:


From Arielle's blog...

"About Arielle Bair (Becker)"

"I am a woman with a story, a voice, and a commitment. I married the love of my life in April 2008 and am very happy. I am dedicated to helping others in the best way I know how: my writing. Writing helped me on my way to recovery and I have a sincere passion to be, at the very least, an understanding voice amid the pain of eating disorders and all that they bring. I've never been happier, so I know that health--mental, physical, and emotional--is possible. I'm an ANAD Eating Disorder Support Group Leader in the Lehigh Valley area. I have a goal, and that goal is to share, care, and write the words that make sense. I hope that you will share, care, and write along with me."

Thanks so much, Arielle, for sharing your wisdom, and for all you do in helping others who are battling eating disorders. You rock.

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9 comments:

Arielle Bair, MSW, LSW said...

Thank YOU! You're so kind! :)

Medusa said...

Arielle, you're so welcome.

And many thanks, again, for taking the time to share your mantra. I know it will be so helpful to those who are struggling.

Hugs,
Medusa

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this blog and Arielle's post is soooooo timely, am really struggling right now. Thank you for helping me believe in myself.

Medusa said...

Oh, Holly, I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling right now.

Keep strong, hon. Thinking of you.

Medusa
xoxo

Brandee said...

Great post. Been distant and struggling. I actually bought a damn scale last night and freaked. Not to goal weight, yet half way there, and pissed but also journaled dialogue. I realized I am hurting and it has nothing to do with the scale. Has nothing to do with my body. has everything to do with insecurities of who I am and where I am right now in life.
So while one part wants to starve into oblivian again, which would be entirely too easy for a 20 year anorexic pro, I will return the scale and see my therapist this week instead. I will tell her everything and continue to have her weigh me backwards. I will not isolate which is why I am even typing this because anorexia grows and thrives in isolation.
I am not in relapse. I have fallen and will get back up. It's part of the recovery process and recovery I choose though painful and so hard but possible!
((hugs)) Medusa. Miss you!
Brandee

Medusa said...

(((Brandee))) So great hearing from you. I've missed you too and was wondering how you were doing. You've been too quiet for my liking ;^)

Brandee, you are so strong, and I know you'll get back on track. Great idea to turn in your scale.

Thanks so much for sending me your story. I will be posting it tomorrow night on my blog.

Take care, sweetie. Sending hugs and love your way...

Medusa
xoxoxo

MrsMenopausal said...

Great mantra! Arielle is so inspiring. Love her blog.

Medusa said...

MrsM! So great hearing from you and delighted you're back blogging. We've missed you!

Check out MrsM's recovery blog here:

http://weighingthefacts.blogspot.com/

Medusa
xoxo

MrsMenopausal said...

Thanks, Medusa! It's good to be back. Missed you, too. :)