Save Yourself

I am the poster child when it comes to frustration. I get frustrated with people, situations, and even myself. But I had an epiphany this evening. I get frustrated the most with people who refuse to be saved. You can take this many ways. Saved  from Satan, from an eating disorder, from an abusive relationship, from an addiction. I just get so annoyed because I have once been in a few (not all, Praise God) of the previous situations. I have been, and still am, a sinner. I have had an eating disorder, and I am in recovery despite the fact that I still have “bad” days. Being saved from all of the above is not so simple, but it all starts with one thing: a decision.

Here is a simpler analogy: I love to travel. I desire to travel everywhere, and I’m itching to get outta this country once more, or.. at least to the West Coast. I understand that’s not something that everyone wants. But when I share my stories, my adventures, people escape for a moment. For a moment, the audience, be it my grandparents or a room full of friends, are on that adventure with me. And it sounds fun to them! Soooo why don’t you want it for yourself? Do you think you’re undeserving? Not bold enough? I just want to say, “Like, what’s the issue?”

Which… Is exactly why I get so frustrated with others. For a long time, I spent my life in such a dark place of hatred and anger. At the time it was not particularly easy to see the “light.” But one day I had enough. I was tired of starving myself. I was tired of hating every part of myself. After a long road of living with my own unhappiness, I realized that I had enough, and that my confidence had literally dissolved. I was going nowhere. I actually believe that my relationship with God is what saved me from my disorders. He loved me when I hated myself. I am so thankful that long before one simple decision to save my body that I had made another simple decision that saved my soul.

That’s how I feel about aforementioned burdens. It’s such a simple decision, but certainly not an easy process. But do you know what that simple decision holds? Promise. Promise for eternal life and love if you accept Jesus Christ into your heart. A healthier, fuller future if you choose recovery from an eating disorder or an addiction. A happier, more independent road if you choose to free yourself from an abusive relationship.

I know that people of all faiths and walks of life read this blog. I’m not telling you what to do because quite frankly, I can’t save you. You can only save yourself. What I am telling you is that if you’re struggling right now, I beg you to consider these simple decisions. What do you want? Make that decision and tell someone, and the rest will fall into place.

The Perfect Diet: What will you lose when you learn how to properly stay “hungry?”

I wish that actual published magazines would advertise tips like the following that are infinitely more beneficial to our health, happiness, and quality of life. On that note, I would like to add that I would rather obsess over movies, glasses, and running shoes than food. I would rather be described as bold, fierce, hilarious or kind than skinny. If you’re with me, this diet is perfect for you!

I have the perfect diet to help you lose pounds… of burdens, fears, unhappiness, and it all boils down to staying hungry! For life that is. ;) When I say “stay hungry,” I mean, don’t ever be content; don’t settle. There is always room for a little improvement; whether that is education, experience or growth! When you stay hungry this is what you will lose: insecurities. Your growth and change will make you feel invincible. That comes in handy when you encounter those sprinkles of hardship too. Your boredom will shrink and practically melt off when you adhere by this menu! Your productivity and energy levels will rise because you are burning off all those extra doubts. However there will be TEMPTATIONS in this diet. You will be tempted by negativity, and you will want to make decisions based upon other people and not your own feelings. You will be tempted by laziness, but when you finally pull through you will realize it was all worth it. Here is the perfect recipe for staying hungry:

A lot of charity

It kills me to see perfectly capable people waste their time and talents by being indifferent about a cause they claim to “care” about. Something as simple as running (OR walking) a 5k can raise great awareness AND funds for said cause. I suggest 5Ks because I’m a runner, but there are so many other types of charity events out there: fashion shows, dances, car shows. Pick one or have one yourself!

In the past, I’ve helped to coordinate the Columbus NEDA Walk. That is a little different because I had a whole organization planning and preparing with me. More recently I’ve taken on a carwash/bake sale for the American Cancer Society, and although I have familial and local support, it’s still scary because it was my brainchild; my idea; my planning. It could be huge. It could also be a failure. And let me sum up how I feel about that in an illustration of my favorite Lana Del Rey lyric:

(exhibit A)

A burst of confidence

Speaking of trying, I love a good leap of faith. Recently, my bff beasted her graduate school applications with acceptance into many top-notch schools, but namely the good ol’ Harvard. I had no doubt that she would do well; she’s a hard worker, organized, and goal-oriented. But do you think she would have applied if she didn’t have an inkling of hope that she would succeed? I am so happy to be friends with such a deserving and brave individual. I am so glad she went for it! I hate to think of others who do not “apply” themselves because they’re afraid of failure. Again, if you experience this failure, see exhibit A. Oh and try, try again.

A pinch of contentment

Stay content long enough to long for adventure again! Contentment leads to that indifference I was speaking about earlier.

A sprinkle of hardship

I don’t actually wish you smooth sailing because then you would be spoiled and much less compassionate. I have grown to be thankful for all the bad situations I have encountered because without the struggle, there would be no victory. And the good times wouldn’t be nearly as sweet!

A spark of anger
While you shouldn't be angry all the time, I hope you have just enough anger so that a fire is lit under your rear and motivates you to take care of business! As Tina Fey says, "Bitches get stuff done." And that is correct.

Discomfort

If you don’t leave your comfort zone at least once every month-ish, then you’re not even giving yourself a chance to grow. Comfort is different for all of us; therefore being uncomfortable also has different meanings. For some, hopping on a plane and flying to Norway would make them uncomfortable. For me, that would be freaking awesome, let’s go! For others, simply approaching a stranger may cause discomfort. Maybe singing at karaoke sounds horrifying to you. Personally, wearing a bikini is kind of disconcerting, especially after my little wardrobe malfunction on vacation last year, but I do it. What am I going to do? Cover up because I’m afraid people are judging me? Am I going to wear a wetsuit for the rest of my vacations? I still have “fears” that my eating disorder tricked me into thinking I have, but I know that if I don’t face my discomforts, that I am not really healing anymore.

Silliness

Enough said.

Stay hungry, my friends!