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I took the short cut. The short cut that so many athletes take. The short cut that Allie Kieffer was referring to in her latest interview with Sports Illustrated. Not only did I see skinny as being fast from my own eyes and experiences, but this belief was conveyed loud and clear from the powerful voices of coaches, leaders, and  those surrounding me within my sport. I was a competitive and driven athlete who wanted to be the best I could be in soccer.  At 5’1”, I was without question the shortest player on the college soccer field. I didn’t look like the typical tall andRead More →

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I was on the treadmill this morning, and struggled terribly to catch my breath while running. In an attempt to distract myself, I turned the television on, plugged in my headphones, and started watching Kelly & Ryan. I usually don’t watch morning television, and today reminded me of why. Kelly Ripa is teeny tiny and perfectly toned. Viewers see her as having the “ideal body.” Ryan Seacrest appears to have a thin build, and muscular enough, also representing an “ideal body.” As someone who has suffered from a significant eating disorder, their conversation on national television was triggering, and I can only imagine how itRead More →

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I had the pleasure of speaking to an entire sophomore class at a local high school the other day. As I stood at the podium watching each and every student walk through the entryway, I could feel the tension in the room increasing as they took their seats. They were informed of the topic that was going to be addressed—eating disorders and body image–issues that are far too misunderstood and unspoken, yet, so imperative. And, based on their attentiveness, questions, and discussion following my presentation, it was clear these students were more than familiar with these happenings. Our family, friends, and community learned of this speaking engagementRead More →