A belated Thanksgiving post

Thanksgiving kicks ass.  Thanksgiving means two extra days off from work, spending time with your family and friends, and, of course, great food.  It's that last part that used to kick my anxiety into overdrive when anorexia ruled  my life.  I am incredibly thankful that I am able to enjoy Thanksgiving for what it is, instead of dreading it and spending all my time trying to figure out how I can make it through the weekend without anyone noticing that I'm not eating.

The holidays are a stressful time for many people.  There's the gift-buying, the travel, the company, and the relatives.  For people with an eating disorder, this is all compounded by the abundance of food and the pressure to eat.   Food messages are everywhere during the holidays.  Starbucks is selling pumpkin pie in a cup.  Stores windows are graced by gingerbread house displays.  People everywhere are talking about what they're going to cook and eat.  And on January 2nd, the weight loss industry will spring into overdrive.  It's hard for everyone, but it's murder for someone with an eating disorder.   

I am so very thankful to have left that behind me.   My heart goes out to the many, many people who are suffering with anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, or any combination of that trifecta this year.

I am also thankful that my family shares my views on the holidays: they should be fun, not stressful.

I am thankful that there was virtually no traffic on I-95 this weekend.

I am thankful that after perusing all the Black Friday ads, Joel decreed that we did not need to go Black Friday shopping this year.

I am thankful that at least Joel's apple pie turned out well.  (Mine was a little... crispy.   I cannot read instructions.   "Wrap crust in foil halfway through baking time" does not equal "wrap crust in foil after pie is baked", apparently.)

I am thankful that the pie with blackened edges still tastes fine.

I am thankful that I am able to enjoy it.

And I am thankful to you, dear internet friends, for indulging my Thanksgiving post four full days after Turkey Day.   I hope you all had a wonderful holiday (and for the non-Americans out there, I hope you had a lovely weekend)!

Comments

[Stephanie]

I never knew you suffered with anorexia. My best friend sufffered from bulimia. I lost 50lbs, but I still struggle everyday to eat normal and healthy like. Kudos to you for even mentioning your eating troubles.

[Lisa]

Ditto Stephanie. I've never had full out bulimia or anorexia... but disorderly eating manifests in so many ways. Holidays- they are rough. And wonderful!

[Kirsten]

I find it very interesting and insightful to read your posts about what it was like for you during your days of suffering from anorexia. The best part though, is to read how well you are doing now. From what I understand, there are not that many who even after getting help ever feel free from that past and the disorder. So Congrats on overcoming it! Can't wait to see you this weekend! Mom gets in Friday afternoon, so dinner work for you?

[Laurel]

I hope you had a wonderful, pie filled Thanksgiving.

It's true, as Stephanie and Lisa said, that the crazy diet / fast and processed food / media industries in this country give women oodles of disordered eating issues.

That's one reason that I love running so much. Getting my exercise through a sport is the best way to keep my body image in check without giving up on fitness entirely!

[-R-]

Yay for non-stressful holidays!

[janet]

go you! (that sounded like I was making fun of you, but I mean it. It's nice to hear a good post about that topic)

and I second the whole 1-95 thing!

[Motherofbun]

Am thankful for you too. And I know what you mean on the diet stuff... Years ago, I'd ramp up the diet pills a few days before THanksgiving as well as spend extra time running extra miles. I'd do the same things after Thanksgiving too. (Didn't have anorexia but did take far too many diet pills and was terrified to gain an ounce.)

[Isabel]

OPH, what a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing something so personal.