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So I was entering my freshman year in college, and had a conversation with my parents about my choice of major. Based on my interests, we discussed various ideas. I was 18 years old. Up until that point, I had dedicated my entire being to the sport of soccer. The amount of time I put into training, practice, and games was so immense that I couldn’t envision just walking away from the sport. It was at that time, I declared I wanted to coach college soccer immediately following my playing career at Michigan State University. My parents were extremely supportive, but, obviously, there was notRead More →

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Bursting with excitement, I could hardly contain myself. It was almost 12:00a.m. on the dot. I never stayed up that late. But when it came to my special day, I made sure to watch the clock strike midnight. My birthday, as a little girl, signified another year older. I anxiously prepared as the calendar crept closer to June 15. That meant birthday parties, celebratory dinners, cakes, and, lots of presents! Who wouldn’t countdown for that? As a little girl, it always seemed so much more fun to be older. It seemed the older you were, the more things you could do; the more freedom you had; and, theRead More →

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On the first warm day of third grade, everyone wore shorts. All the girls in my class were excited to show off their new summer outfits, denim shorts and colored tank tops.  Dark complected, with dark features, I was aware that I had an unusual amount of body hair. My arms and legs were clearly hairier than everyone else’s–boys and girls. Scared that I would be made fun of at school, I opted to wear pants and long sleeves until the heat was no longer bearable.  The bell rang, and it was time for recess. My first day wearing shorts for the season, I wanderedRead More →

anorexia

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I could tell by her expression that she was in a trance. Through her glossed eyes, I felt as if she was holding on to every word I was saying. We made eye contact, and just by her sad look, she communicated she was focused and fascinated by my story. Speaking to young girls has given me quite a new perspective on this topic of eating disorders, body image, and exercise. It’s well beyond that. I have felt the connection to the innocent, yet inquisitive students when it has come to real life struggles that most do not discuss; or validate their adequate thoughts. ThisRead More →

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In this day and age, it has become so easy for me to go on my phone, click on my google app, and type, “How to…..?” Then after hitting search, there are an exuberant amount of articles that appear right at my fingertips. I can basically learn how to do anything I want by simply following instructions listed. Not only can I be taught another skill, but if I put my mind and time into it, I can perfect it. My top seven google searches I find myself exploring the most include: 1.) How to fix something. Lately, with little kids, it involves something withRead More →

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My four-year-old son lost his two bottom teeth this week. This made him the first friend in his class to lose a tooth, and he felt so special. My hope is that this feeling of being “special” or “different” continues as a joyful emotion rather than a troubled one. Even at the young age of six years old, I felt the pressure to “fit in,” and be like everyone else. I really do remember it like it was yesterday. I was in first grade, and was a new student at Ealy Elementary School. My family had just moved to a new house–requiring me to attend a differentRead More →

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When I accepted a job in Baltimore in 2007, my dad assured me that I was only a quick flight away if I needed to come home or felt the urge to visit. Southwest Airlines flew direct to Detroit for quite low fares at the time. So, even then, I returned home regularly. It was easy then. I’d bring my backpack filled with goodies to get me through the hour flight, and my carry-on luggage to make my travel time that much quicker.  Then, I had my first son. Though I couldn’t imagine my desire to fly to Detroit could magnify, it did. I wantedRead More →

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I did it again. For the third time. And as much as it is what I dreamed of and wanted, I have to be honest… kids have a way of disrupting any rhythm or routine. So, for me, the fact that I have done this now three times is amazing.  Today I saw a young, glowing, and beautiful pregnant girl. You have to understand…my idea of young has evolved. Since having kids, I feel I have aged drastically. So a first time pregnant woman looks stunning compared to how I feel and how I feel I look. As I admired her and her adorable maternityRead More →

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When I met my husband almost eight years ago, I had just turned twenty five years old. It happened to have been in June when I am usually my tannest, thinnest, and most fit. Early in the summers I tend to feel more motivated to go for extensive walks and runs.. especially at that time when I was single. Also at that time, I didn’t have any wrinkles, and, in fact, my skin was perfect. If I had one zit pop up, it was the end of the world. My hair was its brunette color with natural red highlights from the sun, and had no signs ofRead More →

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As we watched Bachelor in Paradise tonight on our DVR, I watched my stomach move like a roller coaster. The sensation is one thing, but to see it is another. So, of course, I paused the show and said to my husband, “Oh my goodness. Just watch this for a second. It’s wild.” And, then, I felt a limb bulge out on my side, and it created a distorted shape in my abdomen. My shirt crept up, and I revealed my bare stomach to him. One reason was to show him the crazy movements the baby was making, and the other was to just stareRead More →