I am re-posting the letter I shared on Instagram that I titled, “You Are Worth More.” I posted in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. (#NEDAwareness). The theme for NEDA Week is Come As You Are, a message to individuals at all stages of body acceptance that their stories are valid. Visit NEDA’s website to learn more and to find resources.
Dear Reader,
Your worth is not defined by:
A number on a scale
Your BMI
The circumference of your waist
Your dress size
The calories on your plate
How many miles you ran this week
The pace at which you run
You are worth more than any size or number. And you matter.
Focusing on numbers as a way to measure self-worth is exhausting, depressing, isolating, and a vicious cycle. I’ve been there. Some days, that illogical ED brain still grumbles and I have to tell it to shut up and get out.
Learning to focus my time and energy on my family, friends, community, passions, and new adventures instead of numbers has been (and continues to be) the hardest thing I’ve done. But I am worth more.
And you, my dear Reader, YOU are worth more, too.
Love,
Becca
Posted in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. For more posts about my journey with an eating disorder, read here, here, and here. Please be warned of any eating disorder triggers, they are unintended. Linking with Fairytales and Fitness.
Thank you for sharing this. I really think every time someone chooses to speak up s/he helps more than known.
Thanks for posting this Becca.I struggled with Ed in college and the went on to get my degree and specialization in the field. I worked for many years back in the day counseling those suffering. I can sure fall into some of the thinking patterns from time to time myself.
Such an important reminder. I used to be addicted to the number on the scale, but now I rarely weigh myself. I am overly-invested in my daily workouts though. I feel like such a slug if I don’t do anything, but at least I can “check the box” with a light workout.
Thank you so much for sharing <3 Your story is one of great inspiration!!
You never know who you will help with this post; and I’m sure that you will.
Thank you so much for posting this Becca. The more things are talked about the more chance we have to help someone. Thank you for your honesty and your bravery.
I can only imagine the courage it took to publish this. I know you know this but I’m just going to say it again: you looks so healthy and so happy now. <3
I remember seeing this on IG this past week. You look so much happier in the picture on the right as well. Thanks for sharing!