“There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn’t matter anymore”
-Laurie Halse Anderson
Think back to who you were as a child- the person you were in your very first years in this world. Think back to the times when you were fearless, when you felt like you could take on the world. Think of the joy you experienced from the littlest things in life like seeing an airplane fly overhead or the mailman deliver the mail to your mailbox. Think of the times you were hurt and the tears rolled freely from your face; the pain soon subsided and you once again smiled and carried on. Think of the sense of accomplishment you felt when you first brushed your teeth by yourself or tied your shoes. Think back on how good it felt to take care of yourself and live in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Think of the freedom you felt expressing your feelings…wasn’t it wonderful?
Do you remember the day when the switch was flipped? When suddenly you weren’t “enough” just being you. When your accomplishments weren’t good enough anymore. When you decided you could no longer show the world your hurt or pain and you had to keep it all inside.
While we may think we are completely different individuals than we were during our first years of life, the truth is we still are the child we once were-- who we are was formed long ago. What has changed is not the core of ourselves, but it is the perceptions we have of ourselves in relation to others. Maybe you have been wounded, hurt, or betrayed by the ones who seemed “perfect” through your young eyes. Perhaps the negative voices from the outside world made a home inside of your head. Or maybe your natural temperamental tendency to pursue perfection in your life has been taken to an extreme and has become a daily struggle- one that you think you will never overcome.
Whatever your case may be whether you are are in eating disorder recovery, or just recovering from hard thigns in life, it is okay to let go of the negative voices you hear in your head; it is okay to go back to the freedom you experienced as a young child before life got a hold of you. The young child in you is still there; he or she has just been distorted by your human misperceptions.
This month, try to let go of the chains that you think have you trapped; it may just be that you are the one holding on. Take some time to look inside; you may be surprised at the beauty you find within.
Written by Natalie Hutson, LPC
Want to work with Natalie? She is an Eating Disorder therapist in Dallas and Plano, and has 3 groups supporting women throughout the lifespan from ages 18-25, 26-40, and 40+.
Schedule a free consultation today!
Recipe on the month from Registered Dietitian Brenna Gaul
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Ingredients
▢ 750 g / 1.5 lb baby potatoes , halved (about 3.5cm / 1.75", 20 - 24 potatoes)
▢ 2 tbsp olive oil , plus more for drizzling
PARMESAN MIXTURE:
▢ 1/2 cup / 50 g grated parmesan , the sand-like type (Note 1)
▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or sub with onion powder)
▢ 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
▢ 1/2 tsp paprika
▢ 1/4 tsp salt (I use table salt, leave out to lower sodium)
▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
DIPPING SAUCE (OPTIONAL):
▢ 3/4 cup sour cream, or sub with plain yoghurt , or a combination of both
▢ 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions/scallions , plus more for garnish (or chives)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200C/400F.
Mix Parmesan Mixture in a bowl.
Drizzle oil in 22 x 33cm / 9 x 13" glass baking dish (Note 2). Tilt pan to spread all over the base.
Use a spoon to scatter the Parmesan Mixture over the base. Spread as evenly as you can. Once sprinkled, do not touch - don't try to spread it.
Place potatoes cut side down, pressing firmly.
Optional: drizzle top of potatoes with a touch of oil or spray with oil, then sprinkle with salt.
Bake potatoes for 35 - 40 minutes or until they are soft and the parmesan crust is deep golden (you can check through the glass!)
REST for 5 minutes. Then use an egg flip to cut between every 4 or so potatoes (i.e. cutting through the parmesan crust which bonds between each potato - see video), then scoop up 4 or so potatoes and flip them upside down so the cheese side is up on a serving platter.
Serve with Dipping Sauce, if using, and sprinkle over extra green onions if desired.
Enjoy!
Need a dietitian to help with your eating disorder, sports performance or functional concerns? Brenna is accepting new patients in Plano and Dallas! Book a free 15 minute consult today!
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