Overcoming the challenging path of anorexia sparked not only a period of personal growth in my life but a new understanding of myself. My mind always seems to reflect on how my disorder started, beginning slowly and nearly swallowing me whole. My pride shines brightly due to overcoming the constant repetition of the everyday schedule that turned me into a robot. I constantly recall not acting and looking like myself, shutting out those who meant the most to me. But I also recollect that day, that spark, the thing that made me realize I didn’t want to continue this path, creating realization within me, knowing I wanted to live happily. It wasn’t until I laid there in a hospital bed, being told there was the certainty I wouldn’t be able to hold onto life much longer with this continuation, that I came to terms with a decision. There were only two options: keep going and welcome the afterlife or get better and strive forward so I can grow stronger through recovery. I chose the second one, and I will never regret it. I have so many dreams to achieve, and so many people I want to inspire, I can't throw that all away. I wanted my life back; I didn’t want to be ruled over anymore. I sought help from an eating disorder specialist, went to therapy, and talked to those who struggled just like I did. I knew I could accomplish my new goal of becoming content with myself. Eventually, with a lot of hard work, I gained 20 pounds within 6 months. I looked a lot healthier, felt stronger, and had a smile that always spread across my face, though I still had a major setback, my scale. However, my determination never faltered, I knew I did not just want to be healthy, but I needed to be. After some time, my courage had built up enough to the point I was able to ask my mother to hide the scale; this was a humongous accomplishment for me. By getting rid of all the setbacks I possibly could, nothing stood in my way. At present time, I have been in recovery for about a year, regularly attending therapy. Every day I still struggle with my body and mental health, but I always try to think back to that moment of realization, that spark. At times, it can get difficult, but I know I am strong-minded. With this constant commitment and lack of setbacks in my life, I can now say that I am not only content with myself, but with my soul. Finally, after a long time, I am starting a new chapter in my life, growing as a person, and finding my self-worth.

Overcoming the challenging path of anorexia sparked not only a period of personal growth in my life but a new understanding of myself. My mind always seems to reflect on how my disorder started, beginning slowly and nearly swallowing me whole. My pride shines brightly due to overcoming the constant repetition of the everyday schedule that turned me into a robot. I constantly recall not acting and looking like myself, shutting out those who meant the most to me. But I also recollect that day, that spark, the thing that made me realize I didn’t want to continue this path, creating realization within me, knowing I wanted to live happily. It wasn’t until I laid there in a hospital bed, being told there was the certainty I wouldn’t be able to hold onto life much longer with this continuation, that I came to terms with a decision. There were only two options: keep going and welcome the afterlife or get better and strive forward so I can grow stronger through recovery. I chose the second one, and I will never regret it. I have so many dreams to achieve, and so many people I want to inspire, I can't throw that all away. I wanted my life back; I didn’t want to be ruled over anymore. I sought help from an eating disorder specialist, went to therapy, and talked to those who struggled just like I did. I knew I could accomplish my new goal of becoming content with myself. Eventually, with a lot of hard work, I gained 20 pounds within 6 months. I looked a lot healthier, felt stronger, and had a smile that always spread across my face, though I still had a major setback, my scale. However, my determination never faltered, I knew I did not just want to be healthy, but I needed to be. After some time, my courage had built up enough to the point I was able to ask my mother to hide the scale; this was a humongous accomplishment for me. By getting rid of all the setbacks I possibly could, nothing stood in my way. At present time, I have been in recovery for about a year, regularly attending therapy. Every day I still struggle with my body and mental health, but I always try to think back to that moment of realization, that spark. At times, it can get difficult, but I know I am strong-minded. With this constant commitment and lack of setbacks in my life, I can now say that I am not only content with myself, but with my soul. Finally, after a long time, I am starting a new chapter in my life, growing as a person, and finding my self-worth. I want to spread my story and show people they are not alone in the battles that they face. Many believe therapy will make them weak and vulnerable, but it indeed will make one stronger. I encourage people just like me to reach out, seek help. It might just save your life.