April Member of the month- Lindsey Barrett

Today we celebrate our first formal member of the month, Lindsey Barrett, in the year 2025. Lindsey has been with Empowered for almost 2 years and is a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience in our community. Recovery is not an easy road and is often not linear. Lindsey's story is powerful and we are so honored to travel this road beside her the past 2 years.

Here is Lindsey's Story:

"Today, I am heading to my sister's cake and food tasting for her wedding. A year ago, I couldn't have imagined feeling excited for this. Back then, I was drowning in an eating disorder (struggles with Arfid, anorexia and an exercise addiction). I felt hollow inside and out. My life was a cycle of rigidity and survival. I was trying to stay above water and protect myself. Now, that I am truly living life, I am realizing how much I was trying to protect myself but got lost.

While sitting in the car on the way to the tasting, I thought "I can't believe how far I've come." It feels surreal to think about how I have overcome so much with my parent's divorce, to a sexual assault, and years of trauma. I used to think that feelings were my enemy. Now, I embrace them, despite still using sass and humor :-). I realized how much I used to push everything down to protect myself.

But today, I'm here. I'm present. When I stepped into the winery for the tasting, I felt happy! I wasn't dealing with thoughts or dread. I was grateful to be there and a part of it all.

My sister, knowing my past, asked if I was okay, as she looked into my eyes searching for the old me. "I am good!", I replied, and meant it.

The past year I have been in a better place, and things that I used to dream about are actually happening. They are no longer dreams that feel out of reach. I am not, "too sick" to engage in life.

I had to commit to the process. I faced hard truths, set boundaries, and gave up maladative coping skills. It was not easy. It was scary, and so much easier said than done. AND it took a long time. It was the scariest thing I had ever done.

I took a break from exercise for 9 months, a decision that felt like a betrayal of my identity. As the days passed, I discovered a new relationship with food and movement, rooted in health rather than punishment. My Coach would often say, "You're learning to listen to your body", and I realized I was relearning to trust myself, something that hasn't always come easy. My body was also relearning to trust me too, because of all I put it through.

I have had a serious eating disorder and was in and out of treatment since my early 20's. My eating disorder developed in response to trauma and other things that overwhelmed my ability to cope. There was a period of time where no one knew. I was alone in fighting it. I held everything in, feeling I didn't have anyone. My eating disorder felt like the only one that cared for me. I now know the ED was a coping mechanism I used to protect me, but did more harm than good.

Dreams I had were just dreams.Things I never thought would be possible, are happening because of my hard work. I am applying to Physical Therapy grad programs and have a better relationship to movement. I have participated in the CrossFit open twice, which thought would never happen. I have done 2 weightlifting competitions. Doctors always told me, "you will never be in a place for that. It wasn't a good idea to engage in it."

Throughout my treatment journey finding a treatment team and people who are reliable has been so amazing. I had to put my life on hold to take care of my health. One of the scariest things I have done. I had to make hard decisiosns that we uncomfortable. My current relationship to movement and food is the healthiest it has ever been. I have Therapist, Registered Dietitian, Psychiatrist, Empowered and of course myself to thank for that.

I have been with Empowered RX for about two years now and over this last year I have grown so much. Guys believe me when I tell you, trusting the process does work. Science is amazing. I am the strongest I have ever been in my recovery AND my  fitness, while also being social and going back to school. This is all possible by my hard work and recovery. 

Lindsey's Recovery Reminders:

1. It get's better. It may take longer than you expect, but it DOES get better/ is worth it.

2. Be honest with your team.

3. You will have set backs. You will have ups and downs. That is OKAY!

4. Crying and feeling is OK. You may hate it, but it helps you in the long run.

5. Find your people!

6. There is movement out there for everyone that is enjoyable. It should never be punishing. It's incredible figuring out what you like and what your body can you do.

Empowered RX's Thoughts:

Oh gosh, where do we begin? Lindsey is an amazing human with a massive heart. When she came to Empowered she was in early recovery, had a lot injury/pain, and self-doubt. We watched her battle herself as she found her footing. She kept showing up for herself, even on the hard days. We were honored to be alongside her. She has a stellar treatment team and we've enjoyed collaborintg with them to help Lindsey, but please know... it was all her. She did the work. She showed up. She was vulnerable. She persevered!

When Lindsey started, she had pain that limited her lifting to a 10lb dumbbell. She just PR'd her back squat with 135 lbs and a deadlift of 210 lbs. She is feeling strong in mind & body and despite challenges, she rises to the occasion. Healing isn't linear, and Lindsey's humility and resilience has massive impact. We are so proud of her and can't wait to see where recovery and her hard work continues to take her. The sky is the limit!