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Most of us approach daily life thinking we are safe, events are predictable, and that others are trustworthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and tragedy strikes unexpectedly. Our beliefs are shattered, we lose hope, and we see life as filled with danger, uncertainty, and suffering. But, it is in these moments, in the face of adversity, that we recognize not to take things for granted. Fifteen years ago, my life flashed in front of my eyes. My initial plan to lose a few pounds spiraled out of control resulting in the development of an eating disorder. After starving myself and exercising compulsively, IRead More →

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He was twenty-one months old when the most terrifying and traumatic incident happened. A sweet, innocent, and trusting baby boy, who had already overcome significant health obstacles, was offered a peanut butter cracker. The thoughtful old woman was just sharing her snack, and how would he know better than to take a bite? As his parent, I clearly didn’t do enough to protect him and keep him safe. At that young age, the responsibility to make every caregiver aware of his severe food allergies fell completely on me. My failure to do so wasn’t trivial—it almost cost him his life. We knew he had testedRead More →

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The greatest time of year to self-reflect is Thanksgiving. This year, I am focusing on being grateful for my body—how and why it looks and feels this way. Don’t get me wrong. There are definitely some improvements I would love to make to my figure. But, when I recognize the positives, I am able to be more forgiving and appreciative of my body. Here are five reasons I am more thankful for my body this year: My body has given me babies. Not all women have the privilege to give the miracle of life. I successfully delivered three beautiful, healthy children. For that, I amRead More →

Erin Konheim Mandras - Kick the Scale blog

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I was twenty weeks pregnant with my first child. At 26 years old, on top of the stressful, anxiety-ridden experience of pregnancy, I decided to apply for a new position: the head coaching job at University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC). It was clear that after six years of assistant coaching, I was prepared and ready to take on the new roll of head coach. In addition, being a head coach for a Division I university was, once, my dream. My husband and family encouraged me to apply, go through the process, and do everything possible to get the offer. However, at the same time, I wasRead More →