Road to Recovery

What do the words "only human" mean to you?

The words Only Human mean a lot to me. Our society likes to label who we are whether it’s race, gender, or sexual orientation. There always seems to be a box we must check in order to conform to societal norms. To be Only Human means to be seen, heard, valued as someone other than a box on a piece of paper. It allows us to be ourselves without any pressure from society. We should strive to be seen as we are; Human.

What are you passionate about?

Making a difference in the world. This years election has really taught me about myself and where my passion lies with making society a much better place.

What makes you the happiest?

Spending any amount of time with my kids. Just being in their presence and knowing how happy they are brings me an immense amount of happiness. They mean the absolute world to me.

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

I am 1 year sober, and 10 months into eating regularly for the first time in 11 years. I suffer from anorexia nervosa and have learned through my 10 months of eating regularly that I feel the most myself. I also feel the happiest I’ve ever been in a really long time. It’s honestly given me my life back.

How do you keep yourself positively inspired during overwhelming times?

Honestly, it’s just trying new things and pulling myself way outside of my comfort zone. I find that when I’m in times of feeling overwhelmed, I tend to go into my shell. I can pull myself from it if I decide to give myself a little bit of compassion and try something new.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?

I would want to spend a day in my therapists shoes. The reason is because I hope one day I too can impact and save people’s lives the way she has saved mine. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. I want to have the compassion, and empathy that she does towards people in my life. I want to learn to hold space for those who hurt the most.

What book (or books) have greatly influenced your life?

The outlander series by Diana Gabeldon. They got me through some of the darkest days of my life. Being able to read a series based on love, history and family kept me going when my life was falling apart around me.

What’s your favorite quote?

Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

What is your most-used emoji?

What would be your advice to a human who just graduated from high school and was about to enter the "real world"?

Don’t rush into anything right away. Take your time and feel what is right for you. If that means taking time off before jumping into college, or traveling for a little while, or simply picking up a random job you always wanted to try, there isn’t anything wrong with that. Enjoy every moment of the last of your teenage years because it goes by so quickly.