After the gym this morning — where I did a moderate hour-long cardio session; nothing insane … I ran to the grocery store to pick up eggs and a couple other things we needed at home.
I’d been eyeing the check-out counters for the past week, hoping to see the March 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine, knowing I was going to be featured in an article on the dangers of over-exercising.
Sure enough … there it was!!!
Beckoning me to buy it.
Truth be told, I couldn’t wait for my mail subscription to arrive … so I bought it on the spot, knowing I’d want an extra copy for posterity! 😉
I have to say, the article, “Confessions of a Cardioholic” is kick-ass awesome and naturally I was able to relate to so much of it. (It’s not online yet but I’ll try to do a PDF of it tomorrow on my lunch-break). I only have one small quote, but the article itself is definitely worth reading.
Here’s the quote:
… Do your workouts take precedence over family events? Are dinner dates postponed in favor of long runs? “When my husband tried to surprise me with an impromptu trip to Chicago and I panicked because I knew I would miss a workout, I knew I had a problem,” says Melissa Henriquez, 30, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who spent about three years battling exercise addiction. “I still remember the crushed look on his face when I said no.”
I do remember that look, and am so proud of where I am today. Sometimes I still work out more than I need to, but the days of doubling-up on workouts and obsessing about calories burned and scrimping on sleep or skipping social events to exercise are long gone.
And between us, I’d rather wear these extra pounds than live that miserable life I was living for far too long. I’m really looking forward to this trip to Korea (we leave Sat.!) as a time to really just “be” — away from my routine, comfort zones, etc.
You know, it’s funny … I’d said my goal for 2009 was to see my name in print (vs the blogosphere) and I pitched women’s magazines multiple times over the course of last year, but to no avail. I really wanted my name bylined in a major publication.
So when the reporter contacted me in September about doing an interview — because she’d seen my blog (I still rank #1, 2 and 4 for “disordered eater” on Google — my mom is so proud ;))– it really made me realize that, wow, I DO have a voice … maybe I didn’t write this article, but my blogging means something to someone out there … and that makes me feel good.
I’m not just writing into a giant black hole … and, most importantly, if I can help even one other person through my experiences … well, then, I’m happy.
I’ve also been thinking about authenticity a lot lately. I know my transparency with blogging about something so deeply personal is not something that everyone necessarily would have if they were in my shoes … and I understand where the uncertainty about being so honest might come from.
But I’m realizing more and more that without being so honest and open and authentic about my experiences, there’s no way I’d be where I am today … period.
Sometimes “owning it” really is the way to go. Because once it’s out there, there’s no turning back — and my journey is one many women (especially) can relate to. I’ve learned this through my experiences in the blogosphere.
So if I can be a voice out there amid all the noise, well then, I’m doing my job as a blogger and an advocate. And on that note … happy Sunday everyone! Here’s wishing you a safe, happy and healthy rest of the weekend!
Let There Be Light 
Congratulations! I am glad your hard work blogging paid off!
Thanks Heather! 🙂
Melissa – that is so FREAKING AWESOME!!!! I’m so proud to call you my friend. You inspire me on a daily basis.
Congratulations on being a voice for the readers of Fitness Magaine as well. Onward and upward, lady!
Melissa – that is so FREAKING AWESOME!!!! I’m so proud to call you my friend. You inspire me on a daily basis.
Congratulations on being a voice for the readers of Fitness Magazine as well. Onward and upward, lady!
Thanks sweetie!! 🙂
Yay for you! This is a great blog… I’m a regular reader now 🙂
xoxo
Liz
Thanks Liz–that’s awesome!
Congrats! Believe it or not, I had a letter to the editor published in Glamour in 1999 and I still have it framed. 😉
What I love about your blog is that you are just so honest. I believe there are a lot of people out there just like you who have similar issues, but blog about “healthy living” and mask their disordered habits. I think there are way more people out there like you than you realize!
Thanks Alison! That is awesome–what was the letter about?! So cool!!
Thank you, that means a lot — really, it does. I do think many blogs mask DE behaviors (I will never think it’s “normal” to hold out a camera and photograph every morsel of food in your palm, or count out every chocolate chip you eat and tell us). That is obsessive to me. But I respect the bloggers who do it and do it well — but there are some where I’m concerned.
This is so exciting–I will definitely be buying the issue to read your article! Congratulations!
YOU GO GIRL!!!! how freaking cool is that?!!??!
That is SO exciting, Melissa – congratulations!!
I know how much work you must put into this blog (okay, I don’t – but I can imagine!), and it’s amazing to see that pay off.
I know you have really helped me on my journey, and I’m certain you have helped countless others. I can always count on you for words of wisdom, or helping me to see things differently (in a more healthy light). So thank you, and congrats again!
Thanks, Holly!! Aww… that means so much to me!
great lissa, congrats!
i really appreciate what you wrote about “owning it.” there are people in my life too who “dont get” the blogging/sharing thing and thats ok. ive been told “thats gonna come back and slap you in the face someday.” well, then let it i guess. i try to live with integrity and honesty. i’ve battled an eating disorder and im not going to lie about it. like you, if my story can help just ONE person, its enough. and you know something? i am one person that its helping, so thats enough. 🙂
Thanks, Clare!! That means a ton -thank you! And I’m with you — living a life of integrity and honesty means so much more than anything else.
Congrats on being quoted! And what you said is such a powerful, relatable concept for so many people. I have no doubt that women out there read it, and thought “omg, that’s me”…
I’m really excited for you and for your trip! Breaking out of our routines is both scary and freeing all at once, but always worth it 🙂
Thanks, Jenn — I hope so, too!
Congrats on being quoted and sharing your story!
Whether it is officially “published” or recognized through comments…your voice MATTERS. It is BIG! Thank you for sharing yourself with us!