National Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Redefining Strength

During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I am reminded how important it is to talk openly about our relationships with food, exercise, and our bodies. Eating disorders and disordered eating often exist quietly, hidden behind achievement, busy schedules, and smiling photos. Raising awareness matters because so many people struggle in silence.

As a dancer, educator, and competitor in the Miss New Jersey Competition, I spend a lot of time in environments where appearance and performance are visible parts of success. These spaces can be empowering, but they can also come with pressure. For a long time, I believed that being disciplined meant pushing my body to its limits and eating as little as possible. I thought that being smaller would make me a better athlete and performer.

In reality, it did the opposite.

I struggled with anorexia in high school and into college, and it took a serious toll on me as an athlete and as a person. I remember constantly feeling exhausted and mentally foggy, like I could not fully focus no matter how hard I tried. My body was always cold, even when everyone else was comfortable. I pushed through rehearsals, workouts, and long days at school thinking that was what strength looked like, but inside I felt weak and disconnected from myself.

Looking back, I realize that what I called discipline was actually deprivation. Instead of helping me perform better, it made it harder to think clearly, move strongly, and enjoy the activities I loved.

Recovery has meant learning to see food as fuel instead of something to fear. It has meant understanding that rest is productive and that movement should be joyful instead of punishment. It has meant recognizing that health is not defined by a number on a scale, a clothing size, or a calorie goal.

As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, I talk about life skills every day. One of the most important lessons I hope to share with my students is that our bodies deserve respect. Nutrition is not about restriction. Exercise is not about punishment. Wellness is about balance and sustainability.

Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Many individuals who struggle do not "look" like they have an eating disorder, which is why education and awareness are so important. The more we talk about these issues, the more we reduce stigma and make it easier for people to seek help.

Today, I define strength differently than I once did. Strength is fueling your body so you can think clearly and move powerfully. Strength is listening when your body needs rest. Strength is choosing long-term health over short-term appearance goals.

During National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I encourage you to reflect on how you talk about food, exercise, and your body. Small shifts in language and mindset can create healthier environments for ourselves and the people around us.

Recovery is not always a straight line, but it is possible. I know because I have lived it. And the life I have now is fuller, stronger, and healthier than the one I tried to build by shrinking myself.

True strength is not about becoming smaller. It is about building a life where you are strong enough to fully show up.