After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and
chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes
open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
luv u all!
Rachel

Hi Rachel,

This is very insightful. I take this as describing resilience that comes when you experience a painful event and eventually gain wisdom. I can relate to this somewhat. What has happened to you?did you write this ?
Mel

i mel! I apologize for making it seem like I wrote it, I realized after I posted it that I shoudl have wrote the author and the title. But when I read it I felt like it applied to me and everyone on this board. I've just had tons of hardships dealing with ed's and clinical depression, that I realized when I look back on them that I learned from them. It's kinda a sad way to live, to have to learn only by such hard things, but I guess as long as you learn from your mistakes and gain things, the hardships were not in vain. I hope everything is going well with you!
Rachel

Hi Rachel,
I think it does apply to everyone with an ED. I found it explained loss well. I lost my Dad to cancer 4 years ago and this was traumatic. Yet the insight it gave me was very valuable. It helped me get beyond my ED to the point where it comes back(always there)but nothing like the out of control state of before. I used to have bulimia now just border on the anorexic side sometimes and exercise addiction depending on my stress levels etc. How is your depression? Ed's tend to relate or bring this to the forefront. I have really learned alot from the bad and it sounds like you have to. Hope your going ok?do tell.
Mel