To my eating disorder,

You promised me safety and security. Control and promise. Realized dreams and endless possibilities. Plenty of friends and countless boys. Success and happiness. All in all the 'American dream'.

You lied.

Instead you stole the past 10 years of my life. You gave me weak hair and brittle nails. Grey skin and sunken eyes. Aching joints and a feeble immune system. Heart palpitations. Rotten teeth. Debt. You made a fully grown woman cry over a plate of food. You made me question everything I did. You made me doubt myself. Feel like nothing but a failure. Twice, you took my opportunity to graduate with my course-mates.You destroyed countless friendships and relationships. You put my family through so much.

YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A FRAUD

I am lovable no matter what my size

I am entitled to a life without an eating disorder

I am not judged purely on my appearance. I have other qualities of which I am worthy

I am working to improve the quality of my life

Self care & self compassion are not selfish

Food is neither good nor bad. In moderation all foods provide nourishment for the body, mind & soul