Shame and Pride
Hey friends,
I have been thinking of all the things about my past and what I am most ashamed of. Things that hardly anyone in my family knows but gnaw at me each day. I have found strength in sharing my past, and wish to do the same with a few things, in the hope of finally letting them go.
That being said I'm also proud of myself for accomplishments and things I have done. Some of which likely would not have happened without my ED... Interesting right? So I'm going to share a few things I'm ashamed of, but also proud of.
I encourage you to do the same. Maybe 3 of each. Love you all!
1. I'm ashamed of all the money I have spent on junk food and binges. To the extent of maxing out credit cards and damaging my personal finances. While this phase has largely resolved, I still live with the constant reminder of where I could be in life, how much I could have saved, how much more stable I would be ect. While I'm able to pay my bills and live comfortably, I just am ashamed that I'm not where my "peers" are.
2. I'm ashamed of all the time I've wasted binging and purging. Generally each day it has occurred makes a 2-3 hour ordeal. Going to the store, mindlessly eating, and throwing it up. These sessions too have lessened, but I'm ashamed of the things I have missed, the memories with my family I didn't make, and for isolating myself from the world.
3. I'm ashamed of the lies I have told my family. That I wasn't binge eating, that I was busy when really was bingeing.
1. I'm proud of myself for never losing hope. I always have been able to try new things to break the cycle and am getting better at reaching out to others and with my faith
2. I'm proud of myself for being able to exercise each day and "clear my mind". While it in some ways may be it's own addiction, it has also been my saving grace. I've completed races I never thought I would and am in better physical shape than I was when I was younger.
3. I'm proud of myself for not letting my ED impact my job (much). I have kept my job and continued my education, completing a master's program and 30 additional grad credits. I have pushed myself beyond the education I thought I would have and have gained more confidence and skill as a teacher.
Hoping you all find the love, peace of mind, and self forgiveness you may need ❤️