My Quest to Love Myself by Jennifer Tessena

Not long ago, I met my soulmate--a brilliant man and a vision of perfection.  He saw something in me that convinced him I was amazing and in turn, I developed the motivation and courage to fight this eating disorder.  Everything made sense and all the suffering and consequences of my poor decisions in life that landed me in this exact position to meet him, made complete sense!  I had a purpose and love, a reason to pursue my dreams again!

Sadly, this wasn't my lowest weight--I wouldn't have let someone take my photo then... but I starved myself, vomited, and over-exercised myself well below 80#, at 5'6".  The battle may be with the number, but the disease isn't determined by that.  Unfortunately, many people suffering from an eating disorder may appear normal or above whatever is considered a healthy weight.  I still have irrational thoughts--I will never be cured.  I wouldn't wish an eating disorder on my worst enemy, if I had one.  It is my hope that my story might help others before it's too late!

I'm just an ordinary 39-year-old--with a 20+ year history of anorexia nervosa.  It has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, yet somehow I'm still here and now at a healthy weight.