Last week, social media informed me that it was National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Ever since I saw the first shared posts on a followers Instagram story, I haven’t shaken the thought of how lucking my loved one was with her journey through an eating disorder. I wanted to briefly share what is like looking in on someone who is living with an eating disorder: She always had the chubbiest little cheeks growing up, and when she was very young, the cutest potbelly. She grew into a slender pre-teen but still had her round cheeks. Then high school began, and towards the end, she had changed drastically. At first, it wasn’t very noticeable except to those closest to her. When the cheeks had sunken instead of pout, I began to worry. She was obviously struggling with something, I just couldn’t see her day-to-day life. I had noticed she changed some of her eating habits, and I saw her eat when we were together. I’m not quite sure “what” exactly she was eating; we have a close relationship but lived hours apart, so I never saw exactly what was happening. I’m not quite sure when it happened, but at some point, she opened up to me and told me that she had an unhealthy relationship with food. She was brave and spoke up to those most important to her. She took the steps she found necessary to overpower her disorder. And she’s doing a damn good job of it today. Maybe a few pounds heavier, but she’s full of life again. Her cheeks flush when she smiles and her hugs are warm. She’s glowing, truly. I know she still has tough days, and probably will have days where she struggles for many years. Women everywhere, at all ages, face this nagging image of beauty that society faces. But I’m so proud of how strong she was and has been, and how thankful I am that it didn’t get worse than it did. So, I wrote a short letter to her that I have always wanted to say. Hi, I’m proud of you for many things. The most being how strong you are.
I have watched you grow up – through all the happy times and the lowest points. You’ve seen the not-so-beautiful sides of me and have continued to love me – I will always do the same for you. I’m so sorry that our world and your environment caused you to not be able to see how truly beautiful you are. But I understand how difficult that can be. So many people love you and whoever will love you in your life to come will obviously love your beauty. Not just the beauty of your body, but your mind and soul. Keep going and never give up on yourself. Spoil yourself in every way you can. You deserve to be the happiest person possible. Love you always, Your Loved One
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