Lifestyle

It Should Always Be A Good Time To Speak Of The Unspoken

by Jenna Martucci

In order to embrace each day's beauty in its entirety, there are things each of us must let go of.

Instead of hanging on to negativity, it is time to learn from our past experiences and become the stronger people we were meant to be.

The way to do this is to first apologize. Sometimes, we look back and realize that maybe we didn't treat someone how we should have or how he or she deserves.

For me, this certain someone is there by my side at all times.

She gives me the strength to carry on, even on my weakest days. She makes it clear that she is in it for the long haul, but time and time again, I abuse her.

I let her down and take her for granted when she deserves all the gratitude I can give. Even still, she never gives up on me.

I cannot go back and change the past, but instead, I can move forward and hope she will accept my apology, along with my effort to make things better between us. I can repair our damaged relationship.

She is beautiful and deserves to feel that way every day. She needs to be nurtured and loved.

She demands quite a lot from me on a daily basis, but I am willing to make the necessary adjustments to make sure she feels safe and comfortable.

Undoubtedly, there will be times when I disappoint her, but that is when I will take a deep breath and remember that there is always a brand new day — another chance.

I love you, body. Thank you for never giving up on me.

I write this to share the vulnerability and struggle I have with my body. For National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I believe this is something about which we must feel comfortable talking.

In a society where mental illnesses are a large part of our suffering, it is amazing how many of us silence them.

A physical disorder is visible and often tangible, but we are somehow able to ignore internal struggles within our minds.

I am here to write that this coping mechanism is just a barrier to improvement. If we do not start talking and seeking help, I am afraid we will not get better.

Yes, it is difficult to discuss — especially among the ones to whom you are closest — for fear of judgment and, perhaps, withdrawal.

But, those who love you for who you are will encourage your endeavor for better days. Ultimately, it is an internal journey that you must want to take.

My body, along with yours, is a spectacular miracle. The processes and systems that work together to produce movement, carry blood to organs and send signals to brains are the forces solely responsible for life.

This is why it is so important to treat our brains with respect via healthy actions.

Whether that entails a trip to the yoga studio or a homemade meal, these small, daily improvements can bring about well-rounded, healthy lifestyles.

I am thankful to have learned from my struggle and to continue learning how amazing my body is every day. I hope my story inspires you to take your own journey toward self-improvement.

It is not easy, that is for certain, but it is a journey that no one must face alone.

I hope that one day, we will not have to designate weeks to promote awareness. We are an evolving society, and it should always be a good time to speak the previously unspoken.

Allow yourself to get the help that you need. Your mind will thank you and your body will also be glad to have your support.