I Stand for Perseverance

When it comes to treatment my attitude for a long while was "Let's get this done." or "Let me check this off my list."

I pushed myself through partial programs (trying to get back to classes).
I fought my way out of inpatient (one time)
I continually inquired about finishing up a group.

.... but I've learned something.

When it comes to recovery, speed has very little to do with it. In fact I've realized that these skills, tools, coping strategies, and supports are things I will need not just for today, or for the next few weeks - these are the things that keep me healthy, keep me in recovery..... and I will need them forever.

It takes perseverance, commitment, and determination.

Today I stand for perseverance.
Because sometimes I just don't feel like doing it anymore..... but I have to do it anyway.

Let's keep going. Let's persevere.

HOPE is contagious.

HOPE is contagious. 

I had a long weekend, not terrible, but long - and my brain was fighting me the whole time... I felt tired and run down, things we all feel from time to time.

And then this happened:

I asked some friends to help me Spread HOPE and spread awareness about the event "Where I Stand" - and people responded. Our facebook invites tripled in less than 24 hrs - I started receiving messages asking how people can help.

And all I can say is.... HOPE is contagious. Things change one person at a time, one conversation, one event, one kind act - and it spreads.

Spread the word about Where I Stand - Spread HOPE.

Invite your friends on facebook to the event.
Have a conversation
Make a phone call
Share this blog

- and ask them to do it too - because HOPE is contagious.

Hope is infecting the Valley....

Light is stronger than darkness.

Let the whole world hear..... [and become aware]

Today is a strange day. I didn't sleep last night. I have a Spanish test in two hours, and some of the most personal parts of my life are now in print all over the Roanoke Valley.

I feel strange - in a good way - relief almost. The secret is out.

I, Erin Elizabeth Casey am NOT perfect.
I struggle, I cry, I do stupid things
I have challenges, frustrations,
Off days - Off weeks even

AND

That is okay.

Take a look at the two pieces Where I Stand has been featured in over the past week or so. Let the whole world hear.... [and become aware] I'm not perfect - and if we're honest neither are you.

Say it out loud today, the relief is amazing!

Dan Casey's Column: Eating Disorders can take a toll on any family

Avery Eliades Blog post: Where I Stand Benefit to shine light on eating disorders

 

Sunday 9/16 Preview Event.

I will be speaking at Valley Dance Productions on Sunday September 16th at 4pm about 'Where I Stand' why it was created - and it importance for our community.

Come and meet me, some of the dancers & ask any questions you have about the event! 

You can buy your tickets at that time too! 

Sunday September 16th, 2012

4pm

Valley Dance Productions

17 Elm Avenue  Roanoke, VA 24016

Eating Disorders are life threatening mental illnesses.

Let's do something about it.

Also check out a story about the event at sosalem.com 

Click Here to Read the Story.

Want to Quit? Keep going.

It's natural to want to quit something that consumes a large amount of your time and energy while it's frustrating, exhausting, and there is seemingly no end in sight.....

I want to quit at least once a day.

And then I remember that trying and fighting and being tired is ALWAYS better than missing out on your life because you're trapped in compulsive behavior, ritual, instability, and fear.

I skipped out on countless family events because of my eating disorder. Anything I could avoid I did, then my Grandfather died, and I didn't get to say goodbye. I canceled on my friends to avoid food situations, or so that I could plan my own food rituals, or sometimes because I could not bear to be seen. I spent hours getting on and off the scale, tears streaming down my face, because the number just was not low enough.

Now I fight for recovery so I can see my family, so I can have healthy friendships, so that my time can be spent studying, babysitting, and working with a student organization at JMU, Active Minds.

It takes a lot of energy.
It's frustrating a lot of the time.
It's exhausting.

And

I never want it to end. (Even when I'm tempted to quit)
Because it means that I get a life at all, it means I get all the good and bad that come with living, and I'd rather be tired and living then sitting back and letting my life pass me by.

I have to fight for recovery.... one breath at a time some days... up, down, & all around.

But it's worth it.

It's my life. It's your life.

Trying is always better than missing out.
I don't want to miss out. You don't either.

A-B-C-Done

Recovery does not move from point A to point B to point C to D as in Done.

No.

Recovery goes up and down, left and right, sideways, backwards, forwards and then up and around. Yep. Recovery is anything but a straight line.

....Just like life. Because - Recovery is about living your life - and there is no clear-cut-for-sure answer on how to do it.

It's more of a learn-as-you-go, trail and error, this is hard - but worth it, kind of thing.

It's hard.

But once I accepted that maybe there is not a "D as in Done". Once I realized that I couldn't check this off one of the many lists I love to make, I began to learn how to live in the midst of this, I began to learn to make my environment conducive to my recovery, I learned tools.... and began to live.

It isn't perfect. Life's not perfect.

Our journeys have many twists, turns, mountains and valleys... but it's not about waiting for it to be over.... it's about getting stronger along the way.