You are Capable

As many of you know, last week was Eating Disorder Awareness week and with it comes a job – bringing awareness of its hold in society.

Though the week may be over, the awareness must live on.

I know many people who have suffered from this and I have even dated one who fought this every day. We all know what it is and the health risks of it, so what I want to do is take a look at possible ways for you to beat it. Through my life and my studies I have learned your mind is the epicenter of your decision making. It is said your mind is so powerful it can determine your mood no matter the circumstances around you. In the book Who Switched it Off by Dr. Caroline Leaf, she suggests that repetition, practice and speech patterns can help you overcome mental situations, not just physical ones.

For example, one can play a sport every four hours every day. No matter what this person does, if he keeps practicing, he’s going to improve one way or another.

Also, it is found that building yourself up in an audible voice improves your want to practice more and build yourself up.

The same goes for mental situations you might find yourself in. If you want to stop, tell yourself out loud that you can beat it and that you can do it. Practice healthier lifestyle choices, such as working out and eating right. No matter what you do, if you practice healthy choices and incorporate an audible, positive speech pattern, you can beat it. In another book, Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss, it is suggested that you can choose your mood with your thought process. If something bad happens, choose to be happy. If you get in a car accident, choose to be thankful you are alive instead of the damage done to your car, or the insurance issues. He suggests the same thing can be applied to any situation. This would include eating disorders, in which you can tell yourself you’ve already beaten it. Once you have that mindset, and you incorporate the healthy living, you truly have beaten it. These two books and easy examples off practices can work. I’ve applied them and they help with aspects of life. I’m not saying this is easy and maybe it’s not for everyone, but this could be for you. Give it a try and see the outcomes.

I believe these lessons can be applied to overcoming an eating disorder and looking at your true image. Realizing your own worth and be happy will help you overcome any situation. We want you to remember that there are people there for you, we at True Reflections are here for you. Remember, you matter!

- Caleb