have been feeling rather reflective over these last few days. As I see the store come together, I realize just how far I've come. Not only in this business, but in life.
I know a lot of you don't know my whole story, and honestly, that's ok. What I want you to know is that no matter what you are going through, no matter how painful something is, and how much it feels like things will never change...it can and it will. I remember when I was in the depths of my eating disorder and contemplating trying yet again to go into treatment, I thought it would never get better. I truly thought the pain would always be that bad. I didn't see a way out of the darkness that my ED had created around me. There was no hope.
I haven't shared this with very many people, but during the eating disorder, I also struggled with self-injury. I share so YOU know you are NEVER alone and there is always hope. I had carved the word "fat" into my wrist. Even writing that makes me sad...but you know what I decided to do...the last time I was in treatment, I went and got a tattoo of the word "hope". It covered up my scar. That was a moment I will never forget...the moment I truly began to regain hope. By having hope tattooed over the pain, I began to heal. This was over 10 years ago and the journey has not been easy, but I can say I have never been in THAT dark of place again. The place where there is no hope is a terrifying place to be. I hope none of you are in that place, but please if you are, trust me that it can get better. I promise it won't always hurt that much.
Life has it's ups and downs. No matter who you are or what you're going through, there are hard times and there are easier times. The times where you feel no hope are terrifying, please hold on if that is you. I promise I've been there. And I'm here now.
I am in my early 30's, have a wonderful husband who loves me and all my scars (physically and otherwise), a lovely stepdaughter who is such a sweet soul, a crazy, wild, but oh such a sweetheart almost 2 year old son, and a KICKASS boutique where we love and value ALL bodies. If you're struggling, I promise there is hope. I promise it will not always hurt so much. <3 You are ok and you are worth it <3
