Expert: Meg - 7/27/2007

Question
Hey Meg!  I do not have a question, but I have written you before.  I like to look at all the questions and answers because they seem to help me a lot seeing I’m in a lot of the same situations and/or have the same problems.  Well, I just wanted to write you to tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to write back to everyone.  Your words are just so encouraging, and each time you write back you can tell that you really care and want to help the best that you can.  I am still struggling with this, but each time I read your responses it really makes me think (deep).  Like your last response to a lady you wrote, “ If you were suddenly as thin as you think you need to be, what would your life be like?  What would you have that you don't have now?  If you can identify these things, then you have found what you REALLY want.  Wow, that really made me think, I guess I have never really tried to think about it that way. I am going to put a copy of that on my night stand so I can remember to think about this each day!  I get so stuck in this thinking that I am trapped like this; I don’t really know what I am chasing or really wanting, but this really put it in a different perspective.  I know that it must take a lot of time to read and then write back to each person, especially seeing that you don’t just give yes or no responses.  So I just wanted to tell you that it is well appreciated and sooooooo encouraging and helpful!!!
Thanks,
Jennifer


Answer
Hey Jennifer,

Wow, thank you so much for your note.  This really made my day and I so appreciate your taking the time to write to me.  That was incredibly sweet :)  Thank you!

I totally remember you and I'm so glad to hear that you're still hanging in there.  Yes, it really is helpful to figure out what you really want and so often, it feels like it is being thin but if you can go beyond that and find what being thin means (ie: what you think would happen if you were the weight you want to be) then it really can help in terms of getting what you actually want.  And, at least to me, that is the cool part of recovery.  

Getting over an eating disorder is really hard, it takes a long time and its uncomfortable letting go of rigid behavior and thought patterns that serve some purpose (or else why would we develop them).  So, that is the hard thing, but the really incredible thing is that because an eating disorder takes up SO much time and space in ones life, when you begin to let go of it, you have room for a lot of other things.  This is what got me through and what can be the really great thing about getting better.  And, its why its good to think about what you really want in terms of your life.  What kind of job do you want?  What kind of people do you want around you?  I know it takes some digging to figure out, but its so worth it.

Sorry, I feel like I'm really rambling tonight (which is sad, considering you didn't ask a question really ;)  so my apologies).  Anyway, thank you so much for your kind words and please hang in there and keep figuring things out.  I know you can do it.

Write anytime, okay?

Take care,
Meg