The "F" word

                      I have a strong belief that the word "fat" is a bad word. I feel that is is explicit and should never be used, especially when using it to describe a person. The Webster dictionary's definition of fat is "a natural oily or greasy substance occurring in animal bodies, especially when deposited as a layer under the skin or around certain organs." When, where, and why did that definition translate to someone who is obese or overweight, and in today's society, anyone with more than just skin and bones. The word "fat" is thrown around so easily and has become an acceptable description for someone. It also carries a ton of negative notions with it.
                   I feel it is absolutely ridiculous to call or describe someone as fat. Obviously, it is hurtful and mentally harming to call someone fat, but I am frequently disturbed by the use of fat as a description. There has been countless times where I hear someone describe a person as "fat" or "the fat one," and this infuriates me. Why is it necessary to use the word fat to describe a person, let alone a person's personality? Today's society also uses "fat" when talking about eating, as though eating, or nourishing your body, is automatically going to make you fat. I recently saw someones instagram post of a yogurt container with the caption, "about to eat this yogurt #fatlife." These statements can be found all over social media, following pictures, tweets, or a status of a restaurant, eating, or enjoying any food. This idea that eating something makes you a "fatty" not only spreads the false correlation between nourishing your body and being overweight, but also confirms the same inaccurate belief people struggling with eating disorders have in their head.
So let's stop using the word fat.

One Year Free

Today is ayear since I have been out of Selah House for treatment. It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but looking back it has been a year full of successes and set backs. The first few months I was out, I did wonderful and had days where I felt great about myself. I felt the best I had in a long time. Those first few months I figured out what kept me in recovery, and it is helping others. Starting this blog and working to inspire others were results of selah, and a big motivator in my recovery. I made a lot of huge accomplishments in this year, but I also had set backs. I discovered recovery cannot be perfect, you must keep working at it each day and have to stay open about how you are doing. Within this year I have dealt with issues I had not yet addressed. And, despite my personal promise to "never go to treatment again" I found myself in an inpatient program. This year I have expanded my support system with amazing new friends and have stayed in school longer than I ever have in high school. I have found out what happiness and self acceptance is, and I know it is possible to find. Thank you to all of those at Selah House and the friends and family who have cheered me on through everything.