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Miss Alyssa ?
You have guts, my sweet girl. Your guts, your courageousness, and your choice to share your deepest darkest struggles with the world will do (and is doing) more good than you might know.
You are not alone, I hope you realize this now. Women and men watching your episode, who are struggling with a similar battle and may have felt alone before turning on the television, now realize they are not alone either!!!!!
What you and I and so many others have battled make you a BETTER person. How crazy is that to think about? Our struggles can actually make us stronger??? Yup. It is true.
Our struggles break us down, yes ? just like resistance training breaks down our muscle fibers. What happens when the muscle fibers repair? We experience muscle growth!!! We are the same way. Our struggles do break us down. When we choose to open up (like you did), and heal, and allow ourselves to repair, this is when we become extraordinary. This is when we learn the most about ourselves and about life?s challenges. This is when we build the tools necessary to soar in life to limitless heights.
My favorite part, Alyssa, is this – now that we have experienced this ?road block? or challenge – and will always be actively working to make ourselves better and continue recovery – we can help others through similar struggles, or even help them avoid the struggles altogether by sharing our experiences. This thought, to me, made my many years of dark struggles worth it. If my hurt can save a few people from their own, I?ll take it ?. I know you feel the same.
I applaud your honesty, your authenticity, and your courage. You are a remarkable woman. Your mom is proud. I am proud. I am honored to know you.
I love you, Alyssa 😉
Heidi
P.S. Here is that yummy protein cookie recipe that was made in your episode!
113 Responses
Alyssa initially really benefitted from the program and the support and encouragement from Chris! Unfortunately, as she became more and more focused on numbers and her view of perfection, she clearly developed a serious eating disorder independent from her overeating and initially being overweight. I was a bit concerned that the extreme nature of this program may have contributed to Alyssa eventually developing a severe ED…. However, I was thrilled to read that she did end up accepting some ED tx with Shades of Hope, and I applaud you and Chris, and particularly your willingness to self-disclose for her ultimate benefit, for providing this opportunity for tx, and for championing Alyssa’s ultimate decision to embrace the help she needed! I do really hope that Alyssa has been able to lean into both your and Chris’ support and compassion, her ED tx at Shades of Hope, and any other support available to her to continue her journey to full health– physically AND emotionally. Heidi, I am certain you made an important impact on Alyssa!
Thank you for sharing this post and all these amazing pictures Alyssa is an amazing woman and you are both great friends!