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While I have the utmost respect when someone creates their own stardom and successes, I can’t help but cringe when it can so negatively impact thousands and thousands of people.  1.1 million followers are lured to Arielle Charnas’s Instagram account. There is no question that her style blog, Something Navy, offers helpful information, direction, and advice when it comes to clothing and fashion. But, in a time where young girls are struggling emotionally and physically by constantly comparing themselves to others on social media, Charnas does no favors. In our world of social media, we validate our worth based on how many people follow us,Read More →

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I was talking to a friend the other day about someone we know who may be “trying to get pregnant.” Her look of disappointment made me think she was hinting that they were struggling to conceive. I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I know one of her biggest fears in life is not being able to successfully carry a child. After I shared this with my friend, she answered, “Doesn’t every woman feel that way?” Though there may be several valid reasons for a woman to be concerned or worried about being able to get pregnant, my friend was right—everyRead More →

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I signed my two boys up for half-day soccer camp last summer. I was seven months pregnant at the time, and it was the hottest month of the year in Maryland.  Our mornings that week were pretty routine. Woke up, fed them breakfast, got them ready, buckled them in the car, and somehow managed to get to the fields with three minutes to spare. As soon as they were called in by the coaches, I was finally able to take a long, deep breath. Then, while lacing up my running shoes, I planned out my workout. I was making good use of my time —Read More →

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I did it again. For the third time. And as much as it is what I dreamed of and wanted, I have to be honest… kids have a way of disrupting any rhythm or routine. So, for me, the fact that I have done this now three times is amazing.  Today I saw a young, glowing, and beautiful pregnant girl. You have to understand…my idea of young has evolved. Since having kids, I feel I have aged drastically. So a first time pregnant woman looks stunning compared to how I feel and how I feel I look. As I admired her and her adorable maternityRead More →

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Be kind… For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. My mom’s ongoing words my entire upbringing were, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I never truly appreciated or understood the consequences words may have on someone until I battled and overcame anorexia. She played for Indiana University. She had matched up against me each time we had played, and this particular time was no different. I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt, and believe she was a nice person who just used the wrong language to talk smack. But,Read More →

Erin Konheim Blog Soccer

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As high school and college graduation pictures continue to appear on my newsfeed, I can’t help but reflect back to those exciting, yet terrifying times in my life. The exhilaration of being a senior, moving away from home, and establishing independence is remarkable. Parties, freedom, friends, and community celebrating for what seems like weeks. But, in due time, each student will begin packing and preparing for the next phase of life. An abrupt transition from confidence to uncertainty occurs, and anxiety subtly begins to set in. Regardless of one’s connection and relationship to home and family, moving out can be very scary and overwhelming. ForRead More →

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It was the first time in years that I was actually skinny and proportional. My once strong, muscular quad muscles dwindled down to skin and bones. I felt toned and cut, especially my abdomen, as it appeared I even had a six-pack. I loved trying on clothes, and seeing that even extra smalls were too big on me. But, mostly, I loved wearing a bathing suit. As illogical and completely unhealthy as these thoughts may be, even thirteen years after having an eating disorder, I still sometimes think about how I miss some aspects of that time period. I am completely aware that, though, IRead More →

Erin Konheim Mandras - What Not to Say to New Moms

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I did it. I said the worst thing anyone could have ever said to me after giving birth to a baby. Though I still like to believe my comment was excusable, it falls under the category of guilty when it comes to pregnancy and post-baby etiquette. As a woman who has gone through two pregnancies, I can’t help but notice other women who are pregnant. They always look so great to me, and seem to be glowing beautifully. So, I have watched a mom at my kids preschool through her entire pregnancy. Three weeks ago, I ran into her at my OBGYN appointment, and we hadRead More →

Michigan State Dream

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“Wow. I never knew any of that,” said an assistant coach of one of the men’s athletic teams at Michigan State University following my speech. This coach happened to be a contemporary of mine. One who I actually have known since I was twelve years old. As I looked at him, and smiled, I thought, “Well, of course you didn’t know any of it.” Until Kick The Scale became established and publicized, the thought of anyone knowing I suffered from a psychological or physical disorder was horrifying. Why would I have wanted anyone to know I struggled, or needed anti-depressant medication, or that I evenRead More →

Pregnant and Told Not to Exercise

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Let me preface this piece with a story that I will never forget. In fact, it’s the reason I struggle to write about pregnancy, knowing the issues many encounter throughout the entire experience. I was only dying to conceive; to test positive when taking a pregnancy test; to have a third child. And, though it’s an extremely personal part of our lives, it finally happened. And, then, it failed. I miscarried. To try to take my mind off of it for even a minute, I scheduled a manicure for the following day. As I sat in the chair struggling to catch my breath from sadness,Read More →