From a young age, we are filled with ideas about what we ‘should’ look like, what we ‘should’ wear and what we ‘should’ do to achieve these standards. Living in this world of shoulds can quickly make us think and feel pretty negatively about our bodies. For people of all ages, and young people especially, this kind of negative body image can profoundly impact confidence and self-worth. 

The good news? We have the power to rewrite this story, not only for ourselves, but for the young ones in our lives, too! Shifting the narrative starts with building awareness of how societal messages deeply shape body image. With this awareness, we can learn strategies for how to foster positive body image in ourselves, and in turn, empower younger generations to do the same. Let’s dive in! 

Comparison Culture & Its Impact 

We hear all the time that society is filled with unrealistic messages – but have you ever taken the time to consciously be aware of just how often you encounter them?  

Spend a ...

Awaken To Your Needs

By: Audrey Grunst, LCSW

Throughout the gentle yoga practice, I stopped and journaled. Usually I jotted down a question and continue to move and process. It’s a form of meditation that I’ve learned to use to help with my busy ‘hamster wheel mind.’ My question was, “what is needed?” As I moved and engaged with the women and girls in the room, I had my answer! All I had to do was put my two conscious words together “NEED” and “AWAKE”.

I’ve been lucky in my life. I’ve been surrounded by strong women in my life who always showed up real, unscripted and fallible.

Yesterday at the Mother + Daughter Workshop was no different. I was again surrounded by a group of strong women and girls who showed up for each other in a way that is vulnerable and real. Often times, we moms will shy away from a difficult conversation, like body image and self-care, because the discomfort is too much. Sometimes it’s our own discomfort but quite often, it’s our daughter’s discomfort. We w...

Body Image Isn't About The Body After All

By: Audrey Grunst, LCSW

We soon realize that although our intentions are pure and we aim to feel better, we inevitably further our fear because we cannot correct our fear through physical changes, we correct our fear by sitting with it calmly and leaning into it’s message. Within the message of fear is a whisper asking you to be just a little bit stronger than you were the moment before.

“Along the way, we’ve lost the importance of noticing how emotions are translated into the body.”

We manifest our anxieties and fears into physical dissatisfaction. To otherwise experience our emotions without the concrete view of our body we wouldn’t know where to look. It’s a strange thing to observe an emotion when it has no view point, such as an arm, leg or nose. The oddness of describing an emotion is most obvious when we sit and try to observe it. Most often we fill the spaces with ideas and theories for ‘why’ we feel something rather than just notic...

3 Ways Setting Goals Can Harm Us 

By: Audrey Grunst, LCSW

When we set goals without being thoughtful, we lose is the opportunity to pivot, adjust and change our course when it's no longer working for us. What we get is burnt out and dissatisfaction. If we begin to see life as a series of processes and goals we soon realize that the attention should go on the 99% and let the 1% be whatever is meant to bee.

If we could stop and think about our time on this planet, we'll soon realize that we spend 99% of our time working towards a goal or dream, only to meet that goal and start a whole new process again. What I find ironic is that we should appreciate the 'process' because ultimately that's what really matters. Without a process, there is not product. However, I have found myself over and over again teaching this idea to highly successful people. And honestly, I lose sight of it myself more times than what I like to admit. It's a simple concept that most of us don't learn and (in my ...

5 Tips For Surviving the Holidays with an Eating Disorder

By: Caitlin Kelly

The holidays are an exciting, beautiful time of friends, family, celebration and peace. For someone struggling with or in recovery from an eating disorder, however, it can be painful, anxious, depressing and sometimes unbearable. For 15 years, I dreaded November-January, but I’ve learned (the hard way) some things to maybe make it a little easier this year:

1. Don’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself (if it’s healthy)

If you’re like me, your family has big gatherings revolved around food, eating and drinking. More often than not, the first thing a family comments on is how you look. “OMG you’re so thin, so you look amazing!” or “You’ve put on a little weight, huh?” It can be exhausting, triggering, and reaching for ED symptoms is the easiest way out. I spent most holiday parties hiding upstairs and throwing up whatever I ate because I needed a release and some time alone.

Take a moment (or an hour!) ...

To My Client Watching 'To The Bone'

By: Audrey Grunst, LCSW

You’re supposed to be scared straight. But you’re not. Because fear doesn’t work like that, fear doesn’t drive you to change, it drives you to protect

Dear Client,

I know you may or may not even tell me you're watching it. Most likely because you’re conflicted. Part of you hates what you see because it triggers uncomfortable feelings. Part of you feels envious and scared. Scared for yourself and scared for others who are watching this. You are triggered because it makes you look at your life and compare yourself both physically and psychologically. You probably find her attractive, controlled and accomplished.

You’re supposed to be scared straight. But you’re not.

Because fear doesn’t work like that, fear doesn’t drive you to change, it drives you to protect. It’ll drive you to protect your eating disorder because in the eating disorder’s sick and twisted way, it’ll use Ellen's life to its' advantage and perpetuate the f...