Sometimes anorexia has a way of creeping up behind me and poking me on the shoulder to remind me she is there. I am very practiced in the art of turning around and punching her in the face. And that's what this is. It's a pep talk for me, but it's also for you. Because you deserve to feel beautiful. Everyday.
You need to stay healthy. There is so much that lies ahead of you; positive and negative situations that you have to be able to tackle. Don't give up now. You have marathons to run, countries to explore, adventures to create. By hating yourself you are limiting your amazing mind and eliminating great opportunities from your life. Hating your body will literally take you backwards. Who wants to go there?
You have a nephew whose happiness largely relies on your energy level. And you simply can't keep him happy if you're not healthy. You can't chase him, swing him, build his train tracks, or carry him on your shoulders if you are weak. Know what the best thing about him is? He doesn't give a flying crap what you look like! He loves you and thinks you're the most fun person on the planet! You must be strong for him.
You have a sister who looks up to you; not just her. So many other girls look up to you. You are a coach, and you are an instructor. When you see the innocence of the girls you teach, you must work to preserve that. You're not only coaching them in running or teaching them to play an instrument. You are teaching them how to treat themselves. They are learning how to love themselves from you. They are innocent of negative body image, and it's up to you to keep it that way. You must love yourself not only for your own peace, but so you can spread the peace to others. It is up to you to raise a more loving and accepting generation.
You cannot be a champion bug assassin if you are weak. Your roommate needs you to kill those big, nasty spiders, and your mind simply won't be as sharp if you're malnourished. But she needs you too. For more than the spider-killings. All of your friends need you. You're weird, silly, honest, and loyal. A lot of other weirdos rely on those qualities, and you can't be there for them if you're too busy hating your body.
That's the beauty of loving yourself. When you love your body, you are free.
