1. Cheryl April 18, 2014 at 2:53 pm

   SUCH a good podcast today, Laurie! Having taught kindergarten in a private school, I can relate to what you were saying about watching the light come on in a kid’s eyes when they finally “got it.” There’s been no greater joy and satisfaction for me than watching kindergarteners respond to a phonics-based reading program and seeing them actually reading at end-of-year first grade level. I always felt if you could teach someone to read, you could give them the world. And interestingly, when I was teaching and feeling like I was really doing something important, food was the LAST thing on my mind ever. I have a sneaking suspicion it’s that way for a lot of us. When we’re seeking whatever it is that would fulfill us in our lives, how many of us eat to fill up that void? And that affirmation isn’t just important for kids. We all want to believe that our life matters.

   I feel that’s a big part of what your podcast is about — just letting your listeners know that what they’re feeling, doing, who they are is very important. That’s reflected in the way in end your podcast. And I hope others will begin to respond to those who need encouragement like Grace. Since you’re a talker, I’m not surprised at all that once you started getting your feelings out there in a way you could “hear”, things started to change for you. It’s the same way for me with writing. If I can write, if I can externalize it, I can finally understand what I’m feeling. Doesn’t mean it fixes things, but it sure makes me more aware.

   Communicating with others, being a part of a support system for others is what helps to get us through our trials. I thought your advice to Grace was well thought out. It’s very hard, I would imagine, to be in that place where she’s at. For those of us who tend to OVEReat, Grace’s struggle seems kind of alien. I remember looking at a friend of mine from Montreal who was constantly complaining she was over weight. She’s GORGEOUS. But she’s only 5’2″ and she finally made me realize that there really was a weight at which her body frame felt most balanced. I couldn’t see it. I would have killed to look like her. I think that’s why it’s important for us to understand Grace’s struggle. Because we only know one side of the whole weight merry-go-round issue. So Grace, please do find someone professional to be your “anchor” as you work through this. The rest of us can maybe be your “paddles” when you’re ready to take your “canoe out on the lake” for a spin.

   Thanks, Laurie, for being gifted enough to lead the way in this podcast. I, for one, have a lot to learn about being honest with myself in this struggle. Keep up the good work.

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   1. Laurie@CompulsiveOvereatingDiary Post authorApril 18, 2014 at 3:51 pm

      Wow Cheryl, thank you for the inspiration. I think you really hit it. When we feel like we are doing important work, like what we are contributing to the world is really making a difference, I think that empty pit that calls for food fills up. I just got the book that Kendra recommended, Eating by the Light of the Moon (resource of the day on Day 34),and I absolutely love and adore it. Gal, you’ve got to get this book if you haven’t read it. You will love it too! It’s all about stories we tell ourselves, mythology, women in the world, how all of this impacts our eating. Fabulous!

      I thank you too for supporting Grace. I’m hoping other brave companions will step out of the shadows for a moment to support her too. Companions, if you don’t feel comfortable posting to Grace here, use the contact form. It is totally private and I’ll pass on your support for you. Hi Grace! I hope you’re feeling better and more centered. 🙂

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      1. Cheryl April 21, 2014 at 6:36 pm

         Gonna have to look into that book! Sounds kind of like “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés in some regard.

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   2. Laurie@CompulsiveOvereatingDiary Post authorApril 18, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      Cheryl, Grace wrote to me and asked me to reply to you on her behalf.

      “Thank you, Cheryl for your thoughtful comments. I think there is a common thread with all eating disorders which Laurie hit right on the nose – Control. Whether your struggle is bulimia, annorexia, orthorexia, binge eating disorder, compulsive over eating, etc… our food intake is one of the few things in our life that we can actually control. Before I struggled with restriction I had issues with binge eating and secretive, guilty eating episodes. I’ve never had a healthy relationship with food and I assume that’s why many of us are here, listening and benefiting from Laurie’s podcast. Laurie is honest, intelligent, and extremely articulate. In fact her ability to articulate her struggles with food is one of her greatest strengths. Everything I’m thinking but unable to wrap my head around, she communicates to her listeners in a way that just makes the light bulbs turn on. I hope that just because my past struggles with restriction does not seem familiar to listeners that doesn’t make them feel like they can’t relate to my struggles. I can relate to everything Laurie says and many of the comments from my fellow brave companions. Our struggles, as human beings, is a product of us being people trying to live our lives. The only way we can overcome our struggles is to do it collectively and understand that being human is our common ground which allows us to relate to one-another on a very basic and empathetic level. I hope that I can help you all and be there to support you all too.”

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      1. Cheryl April 21, 2014 at 6:33 pm

         Grace, you, too are so very articulate and learned. I’m looking forward to gleaning some new insights from you! My hat’s off to you, gal, for fightin’ that good fight. So glad you decided to share your experience with everyone on here. I see it as a great advantage for us all.

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2. Sue April 19, 2014 at 12:37 pm

   It has taken a while to think about what to write in response to this podcast. I think that Laurie made some wise suggestions to Grace. I wish you well, Grace, in your journey and that you are able to explore the causes behind the food-related issues as well as finding a way to achieve a healthy relationship with food. My instinctive reaction to hearing a little of your story was to pray. I can’t offer any wisdom, but I can care and I can pray. God bless you.

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   1. Laurie@CompulsiveOvereatingDiary Post authorApril 22, 2014 at 7:27 pm

      From Grace,

      To Sue I say ” Thank you for your support, Sue. It means a lot to me to know people care”.

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3. Sandy April 20, 2014 at 8:39 pm

   Hi Gracie,

   Like Sue I have been thinking about what to say to you. I have not shared this before, but I was dealing with anorexia in high school, which was many years ago. I never had medical treatment or therapy for it, but wish I had dealt with the feelings at the time. What stopped me from getting really bad was that I was unable to go outside on a family ski trip. But I could not stop shivering and knew at that point that something was wrong. Since then, I have never gone back into those particular behaviors but still deal with that issue of control. Like you, now I am doing some over eating and am not happy with myself. I am not technically overweight, per se, but I have gone up two sizes in two years. My goal is to stop it here! I just want you to know you are not alone. I truly believe we can change. And it is through the courage we get from each other that we can face each choice and make it better and better. Best of luck to you!

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   1. Laurie@CompulsiveOvereatingDiary Post authorApril 22, 2014 at 7:29 pm

      From Gracie,

      For Sandy, “Sandy, I’m sorry to hear about your struggles. It seems it has been a bumpy road for you too. I often find it strange how we can go from one extreme to another with our eating habits. It’s always helpful to know I’m not alone and that there are people out there just like me. We all need to be kind and learn how to talk to ourselves like that little girl with the squirrel. I always wonder why it’s so much easier for us to be kind to others than ourselves. I wonder if you feel like you put others before you, too. In fact, I think many of our brave companions do. Maybe our wanting to please others is an element of control? Controlling ourselves by suppressing our needs. It’s such a complicated journey in a complicated world. I’m glad that Laurie has set the foundation for us all to branch out and connect with eachother We all have our individual struggles but for all of us – it is the root we are really trying to get to”

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4. Helen July 18, 2014 at 8:22 am

   Hi Gracie,

   I’m a bit behind everyone, but I wanted to post on here to you to tell you that you are not alone, although I have no experience of anorexia myself, just compulsive, overeating, I wanted to at least send hugs your way if nothing else .
   I think the best advice I can give is that you are not alone and we all care, also to take each day as it comes, good luck and lots of hugs to you and everyone else x

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