Self and body acceptance go hand in glove. The message of EMBRACE may be a challenge for the young(er) person struggling with anorexia or ED because when we’re struggling in this space, our sense of self as “unacceptable” can go very deep. Without a doubt we need to see and celebrate more diverse body shapes and sizes (this is super important for everyBODY!) but when the message that self is not okay, not acceptable, not worthy of taking up space, goes DEEP and ISOLATES, what can a young person do to break out of this harmful bind? In this podcast, I suggest the best thing a young person can do is to actively look for and seek out relationships/connections with people that have the time and space to see and acknowledge, affirm and encourage, listen and share – allow give and take. In this stretched-out time poor world these connections may not be with the person/people you may first choose or expect, but there will be people in your world that can offer you a nurturing connection. Stepping into these nurturing connections will take you FORWARD in your recovery and enable you to take in MORE nurture and more life. Don’t isolate. Reach out. Don’t settle for connections that are cold or rejecting; go where there is life, nurture, affirmation, and encouragement. Questions and feedback welcome.
michelle@michellesparkes.com
@mp_sparkes