I feel what the author feels. I know (parts of) this pain. It is not an easy recovery. For me, the relief comes from love and affection — knowing (and being told) that my body is beautiful, that I am beautiful, that I am me. My heart goes out to everyone who can see a even a flicker themselves in this.
Great comment. Yes, I can feel aspects of this pain also. I was more one to over-exercise and definitely do restrictive eating. I’m wondering if all women, at some point in their lives, struggle with body issues.
“It is about control and desire and denial and all I can do is wrestle with it.” This is so well written that I could literally feel her all consuming mental and physical struggle to the point of my own stomach being tied in knots. To live in such fear is not living. Hauntingly sad.
Hands down, one of my favorite personal essays I've ever read. First read when it was published, and I still return to it again and again.
Thanks so much for sharing. Extremely powerful.
I feel what the author feels. I know (parts of) this pain. It is not an easy recovery. For me, the relief comes from love and affection — knowing (and being told) that my body is beautiful, that I am beautiful, that I am me. My heart goes out to everyone who can see a even a flicker themselves in this.
Great comment. Yes, I can feel aspects of this pain also. I was more one to over-exercise and definitely do restrictive eating. I’m wondering if all women, at some point in their lives, struggle with body issues.
Worth noting that I am male-identifying. I think the feeling of inadequacy (that fuels my ‘worm’) does not know gender boundaries.
Thank you for that, I really appreciate it. I am older and still not accustomed to thinking in non-gender ways, my sincere apology.
“It is about control and desire and denial and all I can do is wrestle with it.” This is so well written that I could literally feel her all consuming mental and physical struggle to the point of my own stomach being tied in knots. To live in such fear is not living. Hauntingly sad.