Time for a Good Read

I'm passing on a few good books that I have read over the past two months that I have truly enjoyed and gained wonderful knowledge from. All three of these books are directly related to eating disorder struggles and the process along the long road to recovery. There is no specific individual who can or cannot read these books because the people whom are affected by eating disorders go way beyond the actual one acting upon the behaviors.

I have listed a few reasons on why you may want to tuck these titles away in your back pocket for later use or to start reading now.

• Read to educate yourself on the issue.
• Read to be able to relate a little more to a loved one or close friend.
• Pass along the titles to those you know who are struggling.
• Maybe you yourself want a little self-help or direction on where to turn to next in your recovery process.
• Or maybe you need to be reassured that you can fully recover.
• If you need to know that you aren't the only one dealing with this.
• If you need to see that you are worthy of help.
• If you need to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
• If you are confused and lost.
• And most importantly so you can learn how to tell yourself and believe that there is life after an eating disorder and a life of freedom and pure joy.

I want to make it super clear that, from someone who is currently working on overcoming an ed, I did not find these books triggering. When choosing books on any topic that is a personal addiction or struggle for you, you want to make sure that you stay away from the things that may send you over the edge or running in the wrong direction. These books are to encourage and inspire you to take the correct steps towards a life of freedom! Oh what a day that will be!

Life Without Ed is PHENOMENAL! I happened across this book in Half Price Book's and bought it on a whim. Praise the good Lord! Jenni Schaefer (who now lives in Austin) is 100% recovered from her eating disorder. She focuses on her road of recovery in this book and all the ups and downs a long the way. She informs readers how she learned to tell the difference between her own voice and "Ed's" voice and how she learned to stand up to Ed and listen to her own heart.

Goodbye Ed, Hello Me is Jenni Schaefer's second book and the follow up to Life Without Ed. Her second book was written when she could finally pronounce herself as recovered and not "in recovery" or "recovering". Jenni talks about how she managed and coped with moving on with her life after being under her eating disorder's voice for so long. If you are wanting reassurance you it is possible to recover this is AWESOME inspiration! PS Jenni is like a rock star now and touring all the country speaking to groups and telling her story. Basically, she's a beast.

This third and final book I am in the process of reading and am super pumped about it! I bought it just recently at Lifeway Christian bookstore. This is the first Christian book I have found on eating disorders and couldn't have been more excited when I found it! Although I am not far into it I can tell it's going to be a good read. With scripture and reference to God's love for me and my body I can't help but smile. I'll keep you updated as I continue reading it.

Friends you are beautiful and loved. Stay sweet.