Hi everyone, my name is Becca. I am currently in recovery from Anorexia Nervosa. I also struggle with anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia and addiction. I grew up in the dance world with my Mom as a dance teacher so I was constantly there. I would say my bad body image thoughts started when I was 8, the year I had joined the competition team. My natural perfectionism and comparison did not mix well with these thoughts. I was a self conscious girl from a very young age. Around 14 is when my eating disorder started to really creep in. I was always a petite girl so people never noticed or said anything for a while. Honestly I didn't even realize at the time what was happening, I think my brain tricked me into thinking it was a normal thought pattern.
At 15 my Mom had caught me doing drugs and going places my parents didn't know. At that moment my Mom knew there were deeper issues and that I was seriously struggling. She asked me to open up to her and I broke down and told her everything. That was my first step towards recovery.
I knew I couldn't live that lifestyle the rest of my life and frankly I didn't want to.
Once I opened up to my Mom things really went downhill with my eating disorder. I got to a very dangerous weight and my health was declining fast. My restriction was at the worst place it had ever been.
Then I met Dr. Powell, she helped save my life and I couldn't be more grateful for her.
I was sent into the hospital where I stayed for a week on an intense meal plan. It was the hardest time in my life, but I came out way stronger than I went in. Once home my Mom and nutritionist Kelsey helped put together an FBT (family based treatment) model for me. Kelsey helped me through so much while always keeping the most positive attitude. I couldn't be more grateful for my team and family for getting me through those hard times.
I have been a part of the Empowered RX community for almost a year now. I joined just after my hospital treatment for support and guidance in recovery while following my FBT meal plan. I honestly can say I wouldn't be where I am in recovery without Leah and the constant support and inspiration from the community.
Throughout my time here at Empowered I have learned how to navigate emotions in healthy ways, have improved my relationship with food and my body, and have found my passion for helping others in the field.
I am lucky enough to be an intern for Leah and start my career path in this area. Most importantly none of those things would be possible without choosing recovery. Recovery is scary and challenging but in the best ways. Every win is you beating your eating disorder. Each day you choose recovery you are choosing life.
I just have to say that there couldn't be a better person running this program and community. Leah was the first person I had met that truly understood me. She knew how I was feeling before I even said it. Her empathy is like a superpower in this line of work. She is an inspiration to every person in this program. While she has had her own struggles in life she still chooses to wake up everyday and help people who were in the same position as her. Since I started here she has been my coach, she is the one who has guided me to new levels of recovery by challenging my ed voice and tackling the fears of it all.
Lastly, I want to talk about the community.
I don't think i've ever met such a pure group of people. It is more than powerful to be part of a space that is all working on healing and fighting through everyday battles. I believe I have made lifelong friends and peers by becoming a part of this. The support and love that comes for each and every person can truly turn your day around. For me seeing other people growing and pushing through inspires me to do the same.
The acceptance when you walk into a room with this community is so comforting. Everyone is welcome! Overall, Empowered has saved me and helped me start to live the life I've always wanted to live. A life full of happiness, contentment, and acceptance. I finally feel like I am finding my peace again.
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