Overcoming the Overwhelm with Mandy

Such a fun evening!

I hate sharing pics like this, but maybe someone needs to hear this 💕

I was about 10 years old the last time I wore a swimsuit in public without shorts.

I was about 8 years old the first time a comment was made about my weight.

I was 12 years old in my science class when two guys made fun of me because of my weight.

I was 14 when I learned the “easy” way to lose weight and began down a destructive path.

I binged and purged.

I lived on half a plain bagel and tomato soup with water throughout my high school years.

I did double workouts through high school.

I lost my menstrual cycle for about a year.

I truly believed my daughter saved my life. I was only 18 when I had her and at my lowest weight and still hated how I looked and felt about myself.

But after she was born, I started down that path again. Though I tried HARD to not do that.

But then the diet pills. The ones that make you feel like you are having a heart attack.

For years I continued to struggle.

At 34 I began new chapter. I had a teenage daughter that deserved a better example. I learned more about proper nutrition. I found a community of support. I began working not just on the outside, but the inside.

And I stand here happy with my progress.
Happy with myself.
Proud that I am finally the best example for my daughter, and my granddaughter. And it has been 8 years since I let my eating disorder control me.

I share this not to brag about my accomplishment, but in hopes of inspiring just one person to begin the steps it takes for you to love yourself inside and out.

I still struggle with the image in the mirror.
I still change outfits sometimes 5x cause I hate how I look.
I still struggle with negative self-talk.
But now I know that it’s ok to struggle, but I have a love for myself that helps me get through it in a positive way.

Don’t stay stuck.
Don’t continue living in a way that hurts you.
Don’t believe the hurtful words of others.

You matter. Now it’s time to take action and flip the script on your thoughts and your life.

Xoxo