Friday 7 November 2008

Is it just me...

...Or is the blogoverse very quiet lately?
Thanks for all the supportive comments on yesterday's post, btw. I love all you blogland friends so much! You rock, guys.
It has indeed been an eventful decade (there's lots I didn't put down there), but on the whole the latter part has been good. There have been rough times, but nowhere near half as rough as many people have experienced.

Yes, I had an eating disorder. So what? It's taught me a lot, as has battling with chemical depression and all that jazz. I am now in a place where I can understand those things and other related illnesses in others much better and be more empathetic. And I can appreciate food and my happy moments like I never could before.

I've been fortunate enough not to have abusive people in my life, to have a wonderful husband, family and friends, and to have a roof over my head and clothes on my back. I am now generally healthy and much more secure in my identity, and I sincerely believe that nothing is wasted in the economy of God - everything happens for a reason.

I guess what I'm trying to say is... there's nothing that special about my story and I'm not looking for sympathy. There are people in this world who are far more deserving - those who have been through tragedies that most of us could never begin to imagine.

If what has happened in my life can somehow speak to you, awesome. I've learnt that the more open about my issues I am, the less power they have over me, and I'm happy to talk about my dark times and answer any questions if it will bring light to someone else. In fact, sometimes you may just have to tell me to shut up. Yesterday's post was very selfish - it's part of my "talk it out" therapy. But it's my blog, k? Kidding.

Please understand that I'm not making light of eating disorders or mental illness. They are conditions that are misunderstood and too many sufferers have to deal with the stigma attached to them. And they are more common than you may think. Of the 80-something girls in my grade at high school, I know of 11 of us who were battling an eating disorder. Those are just the ones I know of (most of whom saw the same pathetic specialist shrink that I did).

If people take one thing away from my experiences I want it to be that it is possible to recover. It's amazing just how resilient people are, and I've watched friends from abusive homes flourish, those with serious mental disorders find happiness and balance and even seen how something as devastating as the loss of a sibling has brought perspective and renewed generosity along with the pain.

Shew... that was a much deeper post than I expected it to be. Those damn alter egos... I guess I'll have to end with something silly - the regular Friday funny. So here it is. Yay for C&H!


11 comments:

Janine / Being Brazen said...

I had been pretty quiet in blogland.....Do you hear the crickets chirping .....?

I guess its because its holiday season :)

very funny comic.

The Jackson Files said...

You are one cool chick, chick. I'm glad I've got to know you through your blog and a little bit IRL.

po said...

Tamara your story made me feel better somehow. I guess I thought my experiences were odd and that I was a freak. But you went through similar stuff and came out of it strong and it makes me feel like I am not alone. I think it helps to know that?

Sass said...

You're exactly right. The blogosphere has been quiet lately. I thought it was just me.

I've been slacking, I know that for a fact. Hopefully, I'll perk up and get back to the fun stuff soon! ;)

Anonymous said...

i agree with Jackson Files' statement.

you're one cool chick, chick!!

and you're right - it's *your* blog, so be as selfish as you like, ok!

Ruby said...

You're one tough cookie:) And i love the attitude you've developed........nothing is ever wasted in God's economy:)

susan@motherjungle.com said...

We're all "disordered." It's how we overcome that counts. Your spirit, my love, shall shine.

MsBehavn said...

I've been having early nights and early mornings training for the damn race on the 16th so haven't been updating my blog (or had much time to keep up with your blogs!)

I'm going to fix that though. Promise!

AngelConradie said...

well, since you know i read and comment "backwards", i have yet to read your last post.
the blogosphere has been quiet- but halloween and thankgiving around the corner (and this year's elections) the USA especially is usually quiet round about now.
:D

Slyde said...

10 pts for you for having the guts to talk about it, and beating it. that is so cool...

Unknown said...

I am glad you had the guts to make your disorder a public thing. You have now owned it and that is the first step in completely overcoming it. I wish you continued success.

As for being selfish on your blog...the hell with em if they say anything.. after all it's not their blog