Grace Garret - Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Growing up I moved houses often and things were constantly changing. I wanted to have control over my life, so I turned to my food because I could control it. At the age of 8, before I even knew what the heck anorexia was, I was starving myself in hopes of satisfying my desire to have something secure and the same. By the age of 10 I was 5'2" 59 lbs at my lowest. I went to rehab a few times and that helped me get back on my feet, but I had to make the decision to choose life. I had to choose to believe. I had to fight my inner battles alone to heal. After relapsing a few times, high school started and I relapsed again this time being bulimia. I struggled with it off and on all of high school until finally recovering recently this winter.

I have struggled with taking care of my body. I struggle with negative body image and sometimes when I'm stressed out or panicked I get the thoughts of going back to having control. I've noticed this in the gym also, when I don't see as much progress or when I can't do something I should be able to. My fitness journey has been tricky and difficult because one obsession can easily turn into another. Although my eating disorder is gone :)) I still find myself being my worst critic. Even after overcoming sickness, after surviving the odds, for some reason I still look at myself and name only my flaws, instead of naming my accomplishments and recognizing how far I have come. I shouldn't be here today. Lifting has changed my outlook on my body completely. Instead of pointing out flaws I need to be proud of my achievements and name everything I'm grateful for and work on the parts that aren't perfect. Comparing yourself to others will never give you an accurate view of yourself because they haven't lived your story.

I am more than just my body. You are more than just your body. Your story is part of who you are. Sometimes life gets in the way of progress, and that's okay, but through it all it's most important to choose to believe in who you are and stay positive. Stay strong loves