Be thankFULL

I remember reading an article years ago written by an anorexia survivor, crying. The purpose of the article was about how much the author missed in life during the period in which she suffered from her eating disorder. She wrote about her college graduation, and how as soon as the ceremony was over her family wanted to celebrate with a meal together. She made an excuse, they left her college town, and she missed an opportunity of celebration with her family. Personally, my families and I love eating together. We also use food as a way to celebrate, be a family, and continue the traditions of our family who came to this country (hello Nanny’s homemade noodles!). During my period of struggle when I hated my body and self, I would punish myself when I ate with my family. I am so glad to be over that time in my life, and I just want to give advice to those who may be struggling with the same thing. (My lovely friend, Julia Shreve helped to make this list!)

The holidays are just another opportunity to nourish our bodies.

Do not skip meals or restrict yourself the next day.

You shouldn’t feel guilty about bonding with your family over food- even if it’s pumpkin pie!

Holidays are meant to be a time to enjoy and even indulge a little bit; so don’t worry!

Going back to my introduction, think of everything you miss out on when you focus on details that do not matter!

Never take that time with the people you love for granted. Enjoy the special food they make for you! I wish I could have the opportunity to have another holiday with my Nanny and Eulah again.

Do not skip eating the whole day-will lead to overeating

Try to eat snacks throughout the day and/or your regular meals

Remember there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods!

Be aware of the media and be prepared to be bombarded with things on “how to lose that holiday weight”- that’s bull----. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere- not the holiday commercials!

It is one meal (or a few if you're lucky!) and it is not the end of the world!

If you’re that devastated with your food intake, go take a walk, play football with the family,etc.

Honestly what is the worst that could happen if you did eat too much…nothing! You are not any less great than you are now.

Take these tips and a smile to your Thanksgiving dinner! Happy holidays! 

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When you lose and it sucks.

Obviously this post has been inspired by my mom’s recent defeat in politics; however, there is something I haven’t really discussed with anyone (partially because I was embarrassed and also because I didn’t discuss it with many people to begin with), and that is my rejection from Ohio State’s Homecoming court. It may seem silly, but it is 100% relatable to my mom’s loss and I got a good lesson from it. Hopefully I can help you!

In May this year, I got an interview for a spot on Ohio State’s Homecoming Court. I felt so honored! I was one of twenty-four girls chosen out of a pool of over one hundred other girls. I was obviously humbled by the fact that I had simply gotten an interview! I was cut in the final round (in June) when they selected twelve girls to represent the Buckeyes at the Homecoming game a few weeks ago. I had to sit in the stands and watch the Homecoming Court saunter giddily onto the field of the ‘Shoe, and yeah, I’ll admit it. I was a little bitter. I was just jealous. I was still hurting over the fact that that could have been me. But when the Queen was crowned, she just looked so freaking happy, that I was even happy for her. After all, my goal was just to be on the Court, not to be the queen. Anyway, moral of the story is.. I lost. And it sucked. My interview went so well. I seemed to have charmed the jury, and I felt really good about it. So when I was rejected, it really sucked.

It was hard to admit to my family because I knew that they were so excited that I had gotten this opportunity. I was actually embarrassed that I lost. But I knew I blew my family away simply by getting an interview. So what’s to be embarrassed about? They were proud of me regardless.

That is clearly how I feel about my mom. She may have lost, but her effort was a hell of a lot more than most people who never even try to achieve a goal. Plus we learned that a lot of people love and support my mom! (Duh!)

So both of us lost. But think of what we gained! I have an official, scary interview under my belt to prepare for future ones, and my mom knows how freaking awesome she is! Lately a lot of my friends are having these fears of losing. We’re getting to the point (literally, like, next few months!) where we need to figure out what exactly we are doing with our lives upon graduation. Some of us want to go to graduate school, and some of us want to work. I won’t lie, I’m still scared of losing when it comes to employment. I know where I want to go and what I want to do. But will they want me? Will I be good enough?

I’ve felt defeated before, but I can’t let the fear of losing keep me from achieving my goals or doing what I love. That’s just silly! It is important to acknowledge the difference between accepting defeat and fearing it. You can accept it after it happens, but don’t ever not do something because you’re afraid of negative results! Plus, you can always try again!