Unfortunately I can relate to Kristin Hopkins’ piece, “Suck It In,” as she discusses the dissatisfaction she felt toward her body. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, seeing others who have shared the same sadness and self-hatred that comes with chasing the thin ideal is heartbreaking.

Every word in Kristin’s article resonated with me. Just like Kristin, I have felt “intolerant of my body” every waking hour. I would do whatever it took to feel worthy, either by skipping meals or harming myself in other ways to change my appearance.

Now, I am so grateful to be in a state of mind that allows me to see other possibilities. I never imagined that I would be embracing “recovery” when I was consumed by my eating disorder, but I can see how much better this life is. Kristin’s article helped me to reflect on how far I’ve come since living with my eating disorder that made me miss out on so much. I hope that her story helps others who feel alone in their negative self-image to seek help and become free.