The Butterfly Room- ED support

I follow all sorts of accounts in Instagram. Anything from Pro- anna to recovery warriors, to those therapists that posts their inspiring tips and diet and health accounts.

I clicked a link to an newspaper article this morning, that was titled ‘the words that finally helped me to accept my body’. I clicked the link with anticipation that maybe…. Just maybe it would help me. I hate my body so much. I can not fully put into words the deep dissatisfaction I feel towards the body that I am stuck in.
The article spoke about being body positive was the epitome of body empowerment and that the pressure to fall in love with your own body has never been more overwhelming. But that body dissatisfaction is unfortunately the reality for so many people.
She then spoke about body neutrality. Which looks like ;

- this is just the body that I am in

- this is simple how I look today

- it is fine if this is what I am capable of today.

Apparently it can be liberating to realise that we don’t have to love ourselves and that we can simple get on with our lives by just tolerating and accepting our body for what they are. That it can be more authentic and less like a cheerleader who believes their team really has no hope in hell of winning.

i clicked the X and felt disheartened. Wondering what others thoughts are on body neutrality? Do you think it’s a place that is attainable? To be able to get in with your life and simple accept your body for what it is and quit striving to change it?????
I’m just left asking why? Why me?

Hey @Bow

I was in Sydney last week and attended a workshop on “Disordered eating in Athletes” which was very informative.

I think we can always learn something new and the concept of body neutrality was mentioned.

It can be very hard to accept ourselves as we are.

💙💙🤗💙💙

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@Bow wrote:

Wondering what others thoughts are on body neutrality? Do you think it’s a place that is attainable? To be able to get in with your life and simple accept your body for what it is and quit striving to change it?????

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Hi @Bow , I don't have an ED at the moment although I had bulimia when I was 17 for a year. But I wanted to answer your question...

I am overweight by a considerable amount, although not morbidly obese. I am happy with my weight. I don't try to change it. I find it comforting and positive actually. I don't think about my weight usually. But then again, I don't watch TV or read magazines where thin people are glorified.

I guess I've nearly died so many times now, from asthma or 3 suicide attempts when I was young, that now I'm just happy to be alive and I like my body, when I think about it, which is hardly ever. I'm 50 now.

So yes, it is possible to get on with your life and not want to strive to change your body. However, having said that, I recognise that I don't have an ED. I guess it's a bit like me asking you, is it possible to touch a door handle without washing your hands immediately afterwards?! For me it's not!

Hi @Bow , I want to apologise - I realised that my post above was insensitive, as I don't have an ED. I asked for it to be deleted, but it hasn't been yet...I'm sorry. 😞

Oh no @NatureLover i really appreciate you replying and sharing things from your journey. I apologise for not replying to it. Just really not in a good place and am struggling a lot. Please don’t delete it. 💕

Thanks for your kind words, @Bow . I really appreciate it.

I am learning so much from you about EDs.

I am just so sorry you're in such a difficult space at the moment. I am sending wishes for things to ease for you...

There is no hierarchy of movement.

Movement is for you and for something that brings you joy. There is so so many different ways to move our body.

There maybe a range of different benefits for different movements and that is ok.

There maybe times in your life where you move your body less or where you move your body more. And that is ok.

Movement is not a way to punish your body and should not be connected to your relationship with food.

What movement brings you joy?

What movement brings me joy?

I love a nice morning walk in the crisp winter air. When the birds are out. It’s quiet.

I also love a good sweaty workout and how it makes me feel.

What movement brings me joy?

Slow, steady breathing (because even subtle movements matter).

Moving through water whilst swimming and noticing the water support my body.

This is a great idea @Bow!

I'm going to tag a few members here who might be keen to share what kind of movement brings them joy:

@Shaz51 @BlueBay @hanami @Paperdaisy @Oaktree @NatureLover @Eve7 @Eden1919 @RedHorse @Christheart

Great topic; it really got me thinking as I've been struggling with a depressive episode and basically been in bed 24/7 for the past couple of weeks.

Anyway here's what I came up with...

I find joy in moving with my horse, playing and petting in the paddock, or taking her for a walk out to fresh grass and watching her eat her fill.