We Are Never Alone

Thank you for this honesty. I have a million changes coming up in life and it stresses me out greatly. Thank you for reminding me that it will be ok.

Thank you for your wonderful post. It’s been one of those days for me too.

Thank you so much for your honesty and brave post Angela. You’re certainly not alone in your struggles; thank you for reminding the rest of us that we’re not either. Best of luck.

“The worst thing is to assume that no one cares or will judge us for our struggles.”

Exactly what I needed to hear today. I usually visit your blog every day but I’ve been away from it for over a week now. During my own times of struggle, I shun away everything that is good for me (friends, family, online support!). Today I clicked on the link and was reminded of why I keep coming back.

It is hard to open up, but it is so so important. Thanks for the reminder (and inspiration).

Such a beautiful post! It takes a lot of courage to write a post like that, so stay strong and post Serena’s message on your fridge as a reminder of your goals and strength!

PS I LOVE LOVE LOVE your chilled chocolate torte it was perfect for the holiday weekend! Thank you so much

Dear Angela,
I am an avid reader of your blog! I fell upon it one day & have continued to read it religiously. I have been struggling with Anxiety for a couple of years now. I was an Impatient at the Center for Change for awhile & was released a few months ago. You truly are an inspiration to me. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the Anxiety. It feels like it creeps up on you without warning.. but I know if you will stay positive through this time it will only strengthen you. My counselor at the Center for Change is always reminding me that my problem is not a food problem.. It’s so much deeper. It’s a matter of self worth. But the truth is you wont have more friends by being thinner. Your family & husband wont love you more. You wont have a more successful blog. The people in your life who really matter love you for who you are. They don’t care how thin or not thin you are. I hope you know how amazing you are & how great of an example you are to me & to girls everywhere. I know it’s hard right now, but if you will take this as a learning opportunity it will be a blessing in your life. You truly are never alone.

xox Ellen

Like many of the readers commenting before me I also have struggled with anxiety. Its a horrible horrible vortex that can suck you in and paralyse you.
I was having a rough day and your post made me realise that I am not alone. I hope things start to get better for you, thanks for posting this

What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your posts. I relate so much to all of your stories. I hope one day I can get to a point of peace and honesty where I am able to recognize what I really need. I’ve come far but there is so much further I need to go. One brand new day at a time!

connected : )

thank you.

Angela,

So sorry to hear you are going through these struggles. How brave and inspiring to share this on your blog…I am sure you have helped alot of people today just by writing this post.

I hope you find your sessions helpful and a feeling better very soon. Thinking of you.

Hi Angela, thank you for your blog and being so honest with the world. I have anxiety issues as well and as a result my life has been at a standstill for nearly two years. I am trying to get back on track but it is so hard to combat the negative thoughts. Anyway, I only recently discovered your blog and it has been a true gift. I can’t talk to many people about my problems so it helps to hear someone else’s story and know I am not alone. Also, I like reading inspirational quotes and return to your quotes page whenever I am feeling low. I wish you the best with your personal growth and please know that you are both helping and inspring me through your blog. x

Thank you Angela. It’s funny how often the people we believe “have it all” can be suffering from the same (at times crippling) feelings that we are personally. I, too, struggle with anxiety that threatens to cause old habits to resurge and break down my new-but-still-fragile sense of self worth. This is why I still see my psychologist every 6 weeks, to stay on balance, strong, and vigilant against the evil voices that try to plague me.

Thank you for sharing. It’s so wonderful, as you say, to know we’re not alone.

ANGI, it’s because of YOU that I started my brandnew blog that is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and helps to guide me through the occasional difficult and dark times. http://vanillacocoberry.blogspot.com/
Your story is quite similar to mine and you inspire me everday really. I finally seem to be getting my glow back and I love it so soo much. Cravings really do stop when you are giving your body what it needs. This morning I had a delicious avocado whole wheat bagel and I enjoyed it with my heart and soul and I don’t feel bad about myself.
Thank you so much for your inspirational insightful stories.
Big Hug,
Doris

You have a real gift of reaching out to people when they really need it. Thank you!

One of the amazing components of being an authentic blogger, is that you have the ability to drastically impact the lives of others while you are just sharing a letter that you received. Thank you so much for posting this letter because even though it was directed towards you from the sender, it impacts each and everyone of us. This type of blog post is so real, emotion-filled, and actually drastically improved my day :-) Keep that glow, girly!

Angela, I read this yesterday and can’t stop thinking about you and your journey. When my anxiety attacks spring up inside me I have a few sayings – “open heart and open mind” and “when I start thinking what if I fail, i ask myself what if I succeed.” These may not be for you but they might be helpful.
I’ll keep positive thoughts going your way. I’m not really into blogging or connecting with bloggers but you have helped changed the way I think about myself and food, the least I can do is reach out to you.
Thanks for all your yummy recipes and loving blog.

That was a great post! I have suffered from anxiety probably all my life. It didn’t get worse until April. I was going through a very stressful time at work, home and just in general. I finally had what I called an episode and then the anxiety attacks came. Now I am on medication. I am trying to find ways to help myself but it is so nice to know I am not alone. And neither are you Angela! :)

That was a powerful message, thanks for sharing! Positive thinking is so powerful, but sometimes it is so easy to get bogged down by our own negative voices or events in our lives..

I’m taking a “Living Effectiveley” course at college right now – I thought it would just be an easy summer course but the self anaylsis and quotes in it are SO inspirational and eye opening! I’ve only just started working through the book, but I’ve flipped ahead to the chapters on dealing with stress, and self worth and have even read them aloud to my man as he puts himself down a lot- we need to love ourselves FIRST…then the world will follow :)

It’s brave of you to share and be candid about your anxieties. Be rest assured we all have them, some days more so than others. I have found that on any day that I need a “lift”, all I need to do is pray to God for his strength and guidance and thank him for all his blessings. Works all the time ;-)

Hi Angela,

I’ve commented only a few times before but I read your blog daily. This post resonated with me especially – I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since I was 16 (I’m now 22), and only stopped therapy this May. I’m happy to say that I’ve reached a place where I feel at peace with myself physically and emotionally, but there are always ups and downs.

My dad used to tell me that happiness is just a state of mind. While I agree, sometimes we lack the strength to clear our minds of negativity. For me, it took years of therapy and antidepressants (taken reluctantly) to gain that strength. You are already such a strong person and I have no doubts that you’ll get through this! Just writing this post proves that you recognize the issue and are determined to get through it.

What an important post, Angela. I have suffered from an anxiety and panic disorder my whole life, at times very severely. You are not alone and I hope you find peace soon.

Thanks for sharing. I am one of your fans, but never written to you. i’ll state the obvious that I love your posts, and from all the newsletters I’ve subscribed, I have a soft borner for yours. You are SO beautiful and SO dedicated and if you didn’t share anything about your struggles, I would be dense enough to assume the grass is always greener on the other side. I don’t have anxiety issues per se, but have experienced them for sometime during different periods in my 29 years. Most importantly, the reason I write to you today, is to say thanks for being so transparent and courageous. I am a vegetarian, and have been a junk food vegetarian during college, I’ve blamed my diet for some of my personal yo yo weight struggles. I am not fit today, but something that I was skeptical about and that helped me is Ayurveda, it helped me as long as I followed it and adopted the principles. In my opinion as a novice in Ayurveda, I recommend you to check out books on Vata body types, and Ayurveda and Anxiety as a certain body type is prone to a certain imbalance (which can be easily corrected.) Dr. John Douillard, who is an expert on the topic in the USA has a lot to say about how Ayurveda can help Anxiety. There are simple things you can do without even taking herbs. Goes without saying, I fully support your step to seek therapy, you must do what you feel is right, naturally. But like a PP suggested accupuncture, I also want to do my part in recommending Ayurveda as an alternative modality if you haven’t already tried it. I have no personal gains, I can simply relate and feel what you are experiencing. Lots of love and good wishes from Dubai, UAE.

thank you angela. I think thats the purpose of certain blog posts. Encouraging others even in the midst of our own struggles. It can be beneficial for all.

I think it has been a little over a month since I’ve been following your blog. By the way I absolutely love your cooking! I’ve tried many of the recipes on your site already and I can’t think of one I haven’t enjoyed.

I was waiting for a post like this to comment on because I can’t tell you how much you’ve inspired me to do something I love. I read through your eating disorder blogs and how you were extremely unhappy in your career. I felt like the same person as I read your story while I was struggling with an eating disorder of my own. I didn’t only gain the freshman 15, I gained the freshman 30. And I’ve been unhappy with my body ever since. I’ve gone on fad diets, starved myself, etc. to lose the weight. You are so right because you really are never happy with the weight you’re at, but you need to love yourself in order to be happy with the body you have. I’ve recently change my eating habits and completely changed the way I think about food. I’ve always loved food, but it was extremely hard for me not to feel guilty every time I ate. I was extremely unhappy this past year with my career choices (and unfortunately I have many people against me on this one… I wish I had all the love and support you have from your family, friends, husband, and all the readers you have).

Now I’m blogging and I can’t tell you how much a writing has always been a part of me, but I never bothered to share it with anyone out of fear that no one would like to read the content I was writing or listen to what I had to say. I quickly realized that writing is therapeutic for me. I don’t need anyone to listen to me to continue to write. I need to write about my experiences and what I’ve been through in order to be okay with myself. I definitely agree with therapy (I have been many times), but when I don’t have the money to go to therapy I write and that’s what has helped me all these years.

This morning I looked at myself in the mirror and was unhappy with my body (as usual). We are only human, but we can find the love and support from others to get through the rough times in our lives.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband and sister in my life who supports me 100%. The next steps in my life are scary because I’m taking a leap of faith and I’m trying something completely different than what I thought I’d be doing for the rest of my life. It takes someone with a lot of courage and passion to go for what they love. I admire you for doing so in your own life and I can only hope to do the same with mine.

You’re not only inspiring… you are a role model for many people and I thank you for everything your blog has brought to my life personally. I don’t think words can begin to describe how you’ve changed and influenced my life already so I’ll just leave you with a big THANK YOU!

I so needed to read this right now. Thank you.

I, too, thought I was ‘better’ but keep finding myself looking in the mirror thinking nasty things about my body. Then I keep thinking ‘when am I going to grow out of this negativity?’… Such a long, slow process.

All the best with your return to the psychologist. You are such an inspiration to so many people and will never be alone.

I admire how honest and open you are, particularly when blogging can be a critical place (not just from others, but from ourselves as well)! That message was beautiful, and so is the energy you bring to your blog. I wish you the best working through your anxieties, and I hope you know that your honesty in communicating here will certainly benefit others. Continue to share your light and that gorgeous joyous smile. :)

Angela, thanks for being so honest with us, and motivating at the same time. I’m sure it isn’t easy. Even though we’ve never met, I think of you as a friend, and think that you are a great person. I know you’ll get through this stronger than ever.

Yesterday was a rough day for me, too, so thanks for the inspiration. Warm thoughts your way.

dear angela,

you have NO idea how much i needed to read this post. it’s like you knew my heart when you posted this, but i know you were just being true to your own heart. thank you for stepping out and becoming vulnerable. you have inspired me to have the courage to do the same.

kelsey

I get anxious when my eating issues resurface… I get upset that it’s been over a year that I’ve been working on this ‘problem.’ One quote that helps me is one of yours i think: its a journey not a destination :)

Thank you Angela (and Serena!) for sharing this! I read your blog regularly, but didn’t see this until today. Today (after months of planning, saving and researching) I gave notice to quit my job (which is a horrible fit and has caused years of frustration, anxiety, stress and soul-sucking), so that I may take the time to re-center, focus, and pursue a new degree and new career. It’s a huge change that involves moving, ending a relationship that’s not right for me, and starting all over. This quote blessed me tremendously today, and I will save it (as I too love and collect quotes) as it will surely help get me through the challenging times to come… which are welcomed! (but a little scary at times)

And I just have to say- thank you for this website, for your amazing recipes, for your honesty and openness (which is truely inspiring) and for sharing your beautiful spirit with the world. You reach many, including me, and I am eternally grateful for you, your wisdom, and your spirit. :-) May I gently remind you to continue focusing on the positive, that always helps me in any situation.

Much love and appreciation,
Kellie

Thank you Angela. I was on the brink of making an appointment with someone- but nervous to do it. Then I read your post. Appointment booked.
One of my favourite quotes- and not really a warm snuggly one, but helpful to me anyway:
‘When you are going through hell, keep going.’ Winston Churchill
Enjoy the beautiful day today!

Hi Angela, I didn’t read the other comments but I’d like to share my two cents, hoping that they help you in some way :)
I have battled for years with anxiety, panic attacks and depression; in the past four years I’ve been making huge changes in my lifestyle, worked on my issues and done a lot of healing work. I’m definitely in a much better place than I was before, but sometimes – like you – negative feelings and anxiety come back. My first reaction is to feel frustrated, and wonder why on earth something I worked so hard to overcome is resurfacing…however this is what I noticed and learnt:
– when we start working on healing our Self, it’s like peeling an onion – we have layers upon layers, and although it feels like it’s an old issue resurfacing, I’ve noticed that the intensity is not the same. Even realising so fast that something is wrong and taking action means that you’ve shed many layers.
– we all have ups and downs. That’s how life is, the important thing is to be aware of where we are, and acknowledge that everything is temporary – negativity included!
– be gentle with yourself. Sometimes we just need to slow down and pamper ourselves for a while; when I feel particularly anxious or negative thoughts flood my mind, I try to take the day off, if I can, and either have a nap, read a good book, watch an uplifting movie, play with my cats, do breathing exercises and visualisations, or go for a long walk among trees.
– remember to acknowledge your progress. When I feel anxious, it’s not the same as when I had full blown panic attacks on a daily basis; recognising my progress, my positive changes, help me put things into perspective. It also helps me to recognise old patterns, and take action to prevent them get established again. It’s easy to forget our progresses…but try not to!
Finally, remember that our life is a journey; it flows and it constantly evolves and change. All is well.
Thank you for sharing the poem, it made my day. Have a wonderful weekend :)

Thank you for your honesty. I too have a lot of anxiety. I’ve been thinking about maybe seeing a professional and your openness is helpful. Thanks

Very Inspirational read. I love quotes also, sometimes that’s all it takes to get me thinking the right way – solid wisdom from those who have been there already.

Good for you! I know when my ED was full blast the biggest issues were anxiety (trying to fix it & gain control through something I could control – ie food and exercise) and lack of true love for myself. Even though I have healed so much in this area – I still have those moments too…I think being present and accepting the present go along way towards real self acceptance. ((Hugs!))

I have been suffering myself lately from some old feelings that seem to be reappearing these days. I’ve contemplated therapy (again, like you), but I feel like this time, I need to change and work on myself on my own for a little bit before I head down that path again (and please believe, I will head down it). I really relate to your anxiety and… “Maybe you got up this morning and the first thing you did was examine your stomach and thighs in the mirror, cringing, while vowing to lose weight” was my exact experience this morning. Thanks for sharing and being open Angela since starting my own blog, I understand how daunting the act can be.

We are never alone. There is life all around else, the spirits of the has-been and once-were surround us. The souls of events live on while everything changes. The souls of the will-be are all around too, which we must prepare for. The world is alive not just now but forever. Open your eyes to it, to the feeling of eternity and catching a glimpse of it. The present is the moment, is every moment. It is not a place but a state of being, a foreverness that draws us all together as one collective being experiencing the world and reality.

Angela,

I am SO thankful and appreciative of coming across this post today. I have been battling my eating disorder and anxiety issues for many years now and it has slowly entered my life again; and I let it thinking I was alone day after day. I really needed a wake up call and from this moment on I will remember that I am not the only one suffering. I just want to let you know how you are a huge inspiration to all of us and I praise you for all of your hard work and determination through everything that you deal with on your own. Keep it up and let’s live in the moment!

My dad passed away after a long battle with dementia. I am very alone and I want to thank you for this post.