Anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder or has helped someone in their recovery process can appreciate how complex, unique and different every experience can be. Reading personal essays and stories is a great way to understand what others have gone through and what they have learned. Our blog, In Their Own Words, is a forum for people to share their insights, experiences, and, importantly, to let you know that YOU are not alone
Introducing Penny – The Only Way Out is Through.
Hi, my name is Penny, and I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta.
I still reside in Calgary and have three beautiful children, Hayley 16, Nicholas 13 and Brooklyn, 7 and a loving husband Stephen that I have been with for eighteen years.
I owned and operated a Day Home for fourteen years, which allowed me to be home with my children and have an income as well.
I have suffered from an eating disorder from the age of 17, and somehow, through both the mental and physical chaos, I have managed to live a successful life.
However, in December 2018, I realized that my eating disorder had taken over my life completely and I was hitting rock bottom.
I entered the hospital on May 1, 2018, and spent two months in a very intensive program. I chose to be honest with my family and friends regarding my eating disorder and shared in detail the severity of my illness.
It is now July 2018 and I am proud to say that I am in the early stages of recovery.
I am choosing life over death, and I am choosing to share my story, instead of battling alone.
Is it easy? Absolutely not. Is it scary? Absolutely! Do people understand? No, not everyone ‘understands’ No, not everyone.’ understands, but do they care… Absolutely. Please join me on my recovery journey!
‘The Only Way Out is Through…’
So very well done Penny!!!! Read every word 2X. You are a great writer and speaking as you do is over the top. You will have every support you ever needed and again…You family loves you beyond words as do your friends. BURST Right “THROUGH” it Penny and blow the doors right off it!!!! Love Stanley!!!!!
Thank you so much Stan, for all of your love and support. I appreciate you trying to understand this very complicated mental illness, and for taking the time to ask questions, with no judgement.
I feel very grateful to be here to share my story, and if I touch one life, then I have done my job.
Much love to you and Jo-Anne.
I have known this women since she has been on Facebook with going through her months of hard times she has come a long way and we are all pound of her family and friends, I have learned so much about the types of metals illness that can cause Eating disorders from her. She has so much love and strength and continues her journey every day with love. Thankyou for letting her put her story out for people to see these things can be concord and although it’s hard it can be done. Thankyou again it means a lot to her as well.
Thank you Ginnie, for always being believing in me, and for supporting through my recovery.
I appreciate that you actually read my posts, and try to learn about the mental illness. I appreciate your comments and feedback always.
You are one of the angels that was sent into my life, and I both love and appreciate you always.
Thank you.
Penny, I simply can’t imagine what kind of anguish must go along with your eating disorder, especially when you have three children that rely on you to be there for them, no matter what is happening or what mental, emotional, or physical state you are in. I have read some of your Facebook posts in the last month or so and have had glimpses of your anguish. I have also seen your mom’s anguish over your eating disorder and your physical, mental and emotional health, especially while we were together in Mexico.
I sincerely hope and pray that you will continue to rise above this disorder and that day by day you will consciously continue to choose life. May God give you the strength you need to carry on along this recovery journey that you have chosen. I wish you well. You are definitely not alone.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my posts and to read my introduction to this fabulous foundation as a contributor.
I have lived many of my years with this dark secret, and yes, it has impacted my children, my husband, my mom, sister, in-laws and friends.
However, it has taught me the value of life, health and relationships.
It has made me feel the pain of hitting rock bottom, and having to fight every day just to keep my head up.
I feel very lucky that help was, and is available to me. It has been a blessing, and the people that I have met along the way have truly saved my life.
I hope that my moving forward, I will never make my mom worry about me, and I keep that goal in my thoughts, always.
The Only Way Out is Through…and I’m fighting everyday!
Thank you for the love and support.
I love the motto “The only way out is through”! Thank you for being brave and thank you for sharing <3
Thank you for the taking the time to read my blog.
The Only Way Out is Through, has been my motto for a few year now, and it’s now my mantra.
I have chosen life, and in order to do that, I have to get through each day, no matter what is put in my path.
I will continue fight, and I hope you will be there though my journey.
Your support means more than words can say.
Thank you.