Welcome

Deborah, a former client, recently spoke about her experience recovering from an eating disorder at The Emily Program.

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

By Dallas Rising, a former The Emily Program client and woman in recovery

It’s spring and I’m attempting to start seeds indoors for my garden. Vegetables on my mind, I leafed through a food magazine with a feature on eating more veggies. I didn’t get to the feature on vegetables, though, because my page-flipping stopped cold when I saw a photo of a 1980’s Jane Fonda in her signature leotard/leg warmer combo. The caption made a quip about her (totally awesome) leg warmers before citing new research saying it’s harder to be thin than it used to be.

by Larry Espel, father of a former client

From sometime in 2001 through early 2010, our youngest daughter struggled with an eating disorder. That nine-year experience was very challenging for her and hard for me and the rest of our family. I have recorded some recollections and observations about that experience. 

Mindful Eating is a phrase often used in our country and, over the years, it has been a practice closely associated with weight control, among other things. But what is mindful eating anyway? What are the benefits? What are the challenges? Is there a time and a place for mindful eating in eating disorder treatment? If so, how and when? How can it be incorporated into life practically? Together, over this three-part series, we’ll explore these questions more closely.

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

by Liz Rognes, a former Emily Program client in recovery. She is a teacher, writer, and musician who lives in Spokane, WA.

Recently, I took my nearly two-year-old son for a walk in the neighborhood. It’s part of our routine to be outside together after I get home from work. But he has now entered the stage where he refuses to sit in his stroller; he wants to be on his feet, choosing his own pace, walking just like Mama. So, on this particular walk, I held his hand, and, slowly, slowly, we made our way down the sidewalk, his little paces keeping up with mine.

Then, he stopped to look at an unassuming rock. He stopped to investigate a fallen stick. He stopped to study a patch of weeds. I impatiently pulled him along, pausing with him when he noticed another ordinary thing, but then I gently tugged on his hand, demanding that he keep up with me.

by Maia Polson

To those of us with eating disorders, the concept of loving our bodies is completely foreign. We all engage in some form of over and under-eating, abusive self-talk, and a denial of our body’s real needs. These behaviors seem so habitual that it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way, let alone practicing love. I personally assumed that recovery could get my body healthy, but would still feel miserable about it. I knew the crazy body-love that all these recovered people talked about wasn’t for me.

Yet here I am today, able to say that I honestly love my body. I love it every day, all the time. Allow me to explain…

Capitol Hill. The Senate. The House. All of these institutions seem imposing.

How can one person have any impact on the complex processes of our government? The amazing thing is, it is possible. As Americans, each and every one of us can impact our legislative process by using our voices. Speaking our truths, telling our stories, and sharing our own experiences can make a difference that can impact millions.

I did just this on Monday this week at EDC Lobby Day, talking to our policymakers about the Anna Westin Act. I went to Lobby Day because I know that passing a bill called the Anna Westin Act (AWA) will save lives. How does a bill about eating disorders save lives? The AWA opens up grant funding for training for health and school professionals and the public. With this training, more people will recognize the early signs of eating disorders, which can save lives. The public will understand more about eating disorders, which can reduce stigma and encourage those struggling to get help sooner.