I have had an eating disorder for over 50 years.

I have had an eating disorder for over 50 years.
I have bought into the thin ideal for over 50 years.
I have been morbidly obese for over 35 of those years.
I have been fit and active for over 40 years.
I have suffered pain, arthritis and injuries for 8 years.
I have been content and fulfilled for maybe 10 years.
I m only 58. Or I m already 58.

No, the numbers don t add up. These time periods overlap in many places.
And yes, this is a depressing set of time periods when listed out like that.

Let s try this...
I spent 4 weeks at Green Mountain at Fox Run and found out that:
I have a common eating disorder. One for which there are solutions and help.
I have to learn to love me, love my body for what it CAN DO, and love the life I live.
I have to be fit again. I have to be active. I have to understand the way I feed my body needs to be helpful and healthful for my body.
I have no more and no less pain, both physically and emotionally, than many others in my life. We can work together to heal.
I can be content and fulfilled again. For the right reasons.
I m ONLY 58.

I can t describe the time spent at GMFR without mentioning the staff. Together with the other participants, we became a family based on sharing and caring. Everyone had their role, but so often the caring extended beyond those structures to provide the care, attention, and guidance needed to help me (and I m sure all of the participants). There was someone available to me at any time of day or night. I was able to express my concerns and goals during the many lecture/discussion sessions. The Movement experts helped me find modifications that will allow me to do the movements even with injuries and arthritis.

The other must mention group is the participants. We are all in the same place in our lives for at least one matter; we are ready to take steps to make our lives more healthful. As one participant put it, It s like walking in and finding your tribe waiting for you. (thanks Jennifer). That s the best way to describe it. We re not sisters, we don t have to care for each other, we want to. I ve made some lifelong friends and mentors at GMFR and I thank you so much for the revelations.
Tara Illinois,2018