Monday, July 29, 2013

Spreading the Love


The blogging world has probably been my biggest recovery support system. Don't get me wrong, I have a wonderful therapist, great parents, and the most caring best friend a girl could ask for, but there will always be a strong connection with individuals who have survived an eating disorder. Reading the about the struggles and triumphs of others really does keep me going. I feel less crazy; like these people truly understand me.

So for today, I thought I would spread the love and share a few of my favorite blogs. Enjoy!


ED Bites  - The first eating disorder blog I ever read and by far the best one out there. The author, Carrie Arnold, is a professional science writer and takes a research based approach to writing about EDs. She is opinionated, very well educated, and easy to relate to. This is the blog that all of us wanna-be eating disorder blogs strive to be. Carrie Arnold is a celebrity in the ED blogging world and yes, laugh all you want, but I totally took a picture of the day she requested to be MY friend on facebook. :) 

Self-Made Mind: A Recovery EDitorial - I just recently started following this blog, but Chelsie and her intelligent, kindhearted approached to recovery instantly had me hooked. We seem to share similar views on the recovery process and the importance of a positive outlook. Without ever meeting her in person, I think Chelsie and I would be very good friends.

The Run Within - This blog might be a little off the wall for me because Alex is a runner and doesn't always talk about recovery. She is typically a late night blogger, so I always read her blog first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee. Her upbeat approach to life and sense of humor are contagious. I can't get enough of this blog.

 She'll Be Free -  This post would not be complete without mentioning Miss Tayla and her lovely blog. Tayla is also a writer for Libero Network and after Carrie Arnold, was my first "blog crush" if you will. I did a guest post for her back in March and remember feeling on top of the world. Thank you, Tayla for being one of my biggest blogging inspirations.

My Musing Chronicles - Emily has been with me on my recovery journey for quite sometime now. I think she was one of the original readers of this blog and I will be forever grateful to her for that. Emily is an excellent writer and does a great job combining her personal life experiences with up and coming ED topics. A few months back she sent me this poster on twitter and brought me to tears.

Learning to Listen & Trust - Whenever I am feeling down in the dumps or am questioning my will to recover, this girl always has the words to bring a smile to my face. I met the author of the blog, Hedda, when I began writing for Libero Network earlier this year. Hedda lives in Norway, but the warmth and genuine kindness in her support has been irreplaceable in my recovery. I am thankful for her everyday.

Running the Race - Another recent favorite of mine; the author, Alison, uses her faith as a driving force in her life. I am not exaggerating when I say that every time I hear from Alison, I feel a renewed sense of motivation and determination to kick my eating disorder's sweet little ass.  This woman is one of the strongest I have "met" in a long, long time.

Science of Eating Disorders Blog - This blog is an extension of the Science of Eating Disorders homepage. The blog has a twitter account that posts updates and bits of science related eating disorder information that I can't get enough of. I'm kind of a nerd, so these evidence based studies excite me.


My parents get pretty annoyed with me for spending so much time glued to my computer. What they don't realize, however, is that the majority of my computer time is spent reading other blogs and building my recovery 'family.' I often wonder what my recovery would be like without social media and constant support. It's exciting to think back to all of wonderful moments and support this blog has brought me, but I wouldn't be here without my fellow bloggers.

Progress.


P.S. - If you have a favorite blog you would like to share, please feel free! I know I missed a ton of really great ones and always love to hear your input.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for this list, Kels. I found a few new favorites tonight!

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  2. Wow, I am floored by your kind words, Kelsi. May all the glory go to God, though, for any helpful words or strength I've exhibited! I did something hard for me last night: I told my husband how since we moved a month ago, I've been struggling with ED sorts of thoughts more than I have in a long time. He's known me since we were 20, and now we are 36--so he knows this aspect of my life. I felt weak to admit I was having troubling thoughts and perceptions of myself, but there was such strength to have him hold my hand and pray with me.

    I am excited to check out all the other writers you listed. That is a lot of inspiration! If there's one thing I've learned about women, it's that we need each other! Near or far, a true friend is a priceless gift.

    Thanks again for your kind words. I have been blessed in return by your writing and your journey! --Alison

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    1. That is amazing, Alison! I think being open and honest with those closest to us about our struggles is the best way to overcome difficult times. You are not weak at all for admitting this to him. Actually, I think you are stronger because you found the courage to open up instead of keeping it a secret. Sometimes the things we are the most afraid of bring us the most strength.
      I'm so happy to have you on this journey with me! <3

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  3. Well your drive for recovery and helping in educating others is contagious. I have wanted to do more of a weekly segment on ED but keep wondering what... any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I love how you are described as the poster role model. couldn't have said it better myself. It is why I come back every single day.

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    1. Hmm it seems like exercise and trying new snacks is already a big part of your blog, so you could somehow incorporate that? But I think what you are doing now is perfect. No pressure to change. :)
      And the poster is still a little surreal, but thank you so much Alex!

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    2. I mean an exercise/snack segment relating to recovery. I didn't make myself very clear.

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  4. Awwww!!!! This makes me so happy :) I'm so thankful to have a recovery mentor like you... thank you so much for the shoutout, much love<3

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  5. Thank you for these!
    I just had a look at the ones that looked appealing and I am so excited to read through them more! I love finding fresh motivational material. So great. Thanks a million.

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    1. You're very welcome! I hope you find as much inspiration in them as I do. <3

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  6. Kelsi -- I cannot begin to describe how honoured I am to have these super kind words said about me. Your beautiful words and self have been a guiding light out of this haze I've been sitting in. Thank you for being the pioneer, it makes it SO much easier to settle the land once someone else has blazed the trail.
    And I agree -- the blogging/online world saved my life. I wouldn't be here (1) in recovery, (2) with as much awareness, (3) with anywhere close to as much support without it. It is honestly my saving grace. And now that our lives have been saved, it's high time we see what we can do with them, eh?
    Also, no doubt about the fact that if we were to meet, there would be fireworks.

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    1. Aw, now it's my turn to thank you for such kind words! I think we are all just people trying to find our way in life and with the support of others in similar situations it does make it easier to blaze that trail together. It is absolutely time to see what we can do with our second chance at life! How exciting. :)

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  7. I have seen several of your favorite blogs before I came to your blogs. Then, I started to follow you =) There was one blogs that I started to follow before yours. She was having a bit hard time (relapse), but it seems like she is coming back =)

    http://risforrecovery.wordpress.com/

    I love the way she writes about recovery. It was infectious when I read it for the first time just like yours =)

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    1. Awesome! I'm so glad you shared this with me, Kyoko! I'm going to check out her blog as soon as I'm done typing this response. Hope all is well. xx

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