Can I say that I LOVE this thread? Right now what I have to brag about is sort of small, but I'm still proud of it!

I have struggled with an eating disorder for many years, and it's usually hardest to manage when I am going through extremely stressful periods of time. Lately I have lost about 15 pounds because I've been stressed and simply not eating at all. So a few days ago I went with my sister to the grocery store and painstakingly selected veggies, fruit, meat, carbs, etc. and organized them into potential meals as I did so. For the past few days I've been eating 2-3 times a day. Not massive portions, but healthy food that nourishes me.

So, that's my big achievement. It seems stupid because eating is something that EVERYONE does, but it's actually a big problem for me. I feel happier lately, fewer migraines and just generally proud of myself less

Can I say that I LOVE this thread? Right now what I have to brag about is sort of small, but I'm still proud of it!

I have struggled with an eating disorder for many years, and it's usually hardest to manage when I am going through extremely stressful periods of time. Lately I have lost about 15 pounds because I've been stressed and simply not eating at all. So a few days ago I went with my sister to the grocery store and painstakingly selected veggies, fruit, meat, carbs, etc. and organized them into potential meals as I did so. For the past few days I've been eating 2-3 times a day. Not massive portions, but healthy food that nourishes me.

So, that's my big achievement. It seems stupid because eating is something that EVERYONE does, but it's actually a big problem for me. I feel happier lately, fewer migraines and just generally proud of myself less

Congratulations to everyone on their accomplishments so far! Especially happy to hear about Owl's eating, Sir's facial hair, and Starkiller's advances away from medications! And Tuesday for knitting circles around us, because that sounds fun.

I'm participating in this thread because it's usually hard for me to identify things I'm proud of about myself, so I'm trying to stretch myself out here. I would like to brag about ... the good job I've been doing lately at relating to my 9-years-younger sister. Our whole family's on the shy side, but I've been going out of my way to send her interesting links when I'm away from home, and spending time with her while I'm at home, so that she feels like she's got a friend and has some outside validation. She's been responding really well, too. I love my sister.

Also that I was brave enough to participate in this thread. Wow. It was hard to put something real, but I really feel good right now. Thanks, Sam! less

Congratulations to everyone on their accomplishments so far! Especially happy to hear about Owl's eating, Sir's facial hair, and Starkiller's advances away from medications! And Tuesday for knitting circles around us, because that sounds fun.

I'm participating in this thread because it's usually hard for me to identify things I'm proud of about myself, so I'm trying to stretch myself out here. I would like to brag about ... the good job I've been doing lately at relating to my 9-years-younger sister. Our whole family's on the shy side, but I've been going out of my way to send her interesting links when I'm away from home, and spending time with her while I'm at home, so that she feels like she's got a friend and has some outside validation. She's been responding really well, too. I love my sister.

Also that I was brave enough to participate in this thread. Wow. It was hard to put something real, but I really feel good right now. Thanks, Sam! less

Congratulations to everyone on their accomplishments so far! Especially happy to hear about Owl's eating, Sir's facial hair, and Starkiller's advances away from medications! And Tuesday for knitting circles around us, because that sounds fun.

I'm participating in this thread because it's usually hard for me to identify things I'm proud of about myself, so I'm trying to stretch myself out here. I would like to brag about ... the good job I've been doing lately at relating to my 9-years-younger sister. Our whole family's on the shy side, but I've been going out of my way to send her interesting links when I'm away from home, and spending time with her while I'm at home, so that she feels like she's got a friend and has some outside validation. She's been responding really well, too. I love my sister.

Also that I was brave enough to participate in this thread. Wow. It was hard to put something real, but I really feel good right now. Thanks, Sam! less

Up until about six months ago, I was working on a book. I canned it and started working on something else.

Recently I canned that too, because as much as I adore the main character and want to write him -all the time-, I needed to go back to the plotting board.

About a week ago, I reread all 50k of the first book.

I thought I was going to cringe constantly, feel self-conscious, and leave more on the editing floor than I kept.

In reality... it's good. It's really good. It needs some balancing, some editing, a bit steadier of a hand throughout, but the things that I was so uncertain about? Worked. The core of it is there, and it's vivid and strong and bracing.

For a long time I've felt like I couldn't write about abuse because it garners so many eye-rolls and accusations of too-perfect characters, but rereading this helps me point and say "I have a right to stories about people like me."

Maybe someday, I'll have the guts to finish it. less

Brag (and possible trigger):

I for the first time in my life am wearing jeans that aren't a double digit. And am wearing panties that aren't a large.

This is huge to me, who even in elementary school had to wear the larger end of clothes and wear the size L underwear.

I don't feel skinnier yet - it really hasn't hit home, but this is a really big step towards understanding that "holy crap, I'm not as big as I used to be!"

I believe I sent a very goofy pic to Sam of my victory dance in the new jeans. less

Can I say that I LOVE this thread? Right now what I have to brag about is sort of small, but I'm still proud of it!

I have struggled with an eating disorder for many years, and it's usually hardest to manage when I am going through extremely stressful periods of time. Lately I have lost about 15 pounds because I've been stressed and simply not eating at all. So a few days ago I went with my sister to the grocery store and painstakingly selected veggies, fruit, meat, carbs, etc. and organized them into potential meals as I did so. For the past few days I've been eating 2-3 times a day. Not massive portions, but healthy food that nourishes me.

So, that's my big achievement. It seems stupid because eating is something that EVERYONE does, but it's actually a big problem for me. I feel happier lately, fewer migraines and just generally proud of myself less