She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Shackles of Skinny Stereotypes

A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Recovery

As I sat in the pop-up clinic, waiting to receive my second COVID-19 vaccine, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The nurse’s words still linger in my mind: “Oh, she’s just so small — that’s why there’s resistance. Look, it’s all muscle.” It was a painful reminder that, even after years of recovery, my petite frame was still under scrutiny.

The Struggle with Eating Disorders

My journey with eating disorders began in my early twenties, when I started losing weight without a known cause. Friends and family approached me with concern, but I was in denial. It wasn’t until I received a diagnosis that I realized I was struggling. The feeling of isolation was overwhelming, and I felt like I was the problem.

Finding Support and Recovery

Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that I’m in recovery. With the help of a nutrition and eating psychology coach, I’ve learned to overcome the negative thoughts that still linger. We’ve developed strategies to help me cope with food-related anxiety, and I’ve been working on “strengthening” my body.

The Power of Accountability

My coach has been instrumental in pushing me out of my comfort zone. We set weekly food intake increases, and I share photos of my meals and snacks with her to track my progress. It’s not about achieving a certain weight or body shape; it’s about finding health and happiness.

Overcoming Fears and Finding Freedom

The pandemic brought new challenges, but it also taught me to be kinder to myself. I realized that I didn’t have to restrict my portions or worry about what others thought. Dining out became a test for me, but the more I practiced, the easier it became to cast aside my fears.

Embracing Every Body

As we move forward, I hope we can celebrate our unique stories and bodies. Mine isn’t going to look like yours, but maybe there are aspects that you can sympathize with and vice versa. We’re all beautiful human beings, and we all have our own set of mental and physical challenges.

A Call to Action

Let’s support each other on this journey of self-acceptance and recovery. Let’s talk openly about our struggles and celebrate our progress. And let’s remember that we’re still in this together.