Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer to realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the years and I just came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame, and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took away that extra

stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as I found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder to myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with "overeaters" (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only way I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help and not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns arise as I started making rules about eating and

my anxiety rose, I knew I could fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who helps me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile!

A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I have time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs. Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's about all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the opportunity to share.

Sincerely,

Claudette