“It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinions; it is easy in solitude to live after your own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” -RWE
On July 2nd 1776, the United States gained independence from Great Britain. (It is believed by most that The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 which is why we celebrate it on July 4th.)
For those of you who read my posts regularly, you know that I try to link specific holidays to something more closely associated with the present day human experience. In the case of this blog, I usually like to show how my personal struggles with bulimia have in fact helped me to transcend to a better version of my former self; how years of struggle evolved into recovery and enlightenment.
Independence for me means many things but mainly it means freedom from oppression, especially that imposed by myself ON myself. You see, for decades, I was my own worst enemy- my own limiting factor. I couldn't disambiguate my childhood wiring of what I THOUGHT I needed to do or become or love from what I actually NEEDED to do or become or love in order to live a life of bliss: the life I was intended to live.
Ten years ago, even 12 months ago, I couldn't have written what I am today with such conviction because back then I wasn't convinced. But today, now more than ever before, I can see my life and the people and experiences in my life for what they truly are: part of my journey towards independence.
Independence can mean different things to different people. What does it mean to you?
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You are such an inspiration Emi. Even though though I have no idea how painful and suffocating this battle has been over the years, I am humbled by your fight to overcome and finally experience independence. I am so excited for your race and honored to race with you on the Tribella team!!
ReplyDeleteThank you KS! I really appreciate your comment. Xx
ReplyDeleteWow! You are incredible! Good luck with your last few weeks of training and tapering! I stumbled upon your blog via Jenni Schaefer's Facebook page and I am so awe-inspired by you! I am a new Denverite, with eventual Ironwoman dreams, and dreams of truly conquering an eating disorder. When I think of independence in a historical sense, I think of absolute and unequivocal freedom from something (like the US as a completely separate country from England!)-- but in my own journey, it seems some days feel incredibly independent and then the next, not as much. I get so frustrated on those not-so-independent days, when the disordered voice gets louder, and wonder if my recovery is truly as "advanced" and strong as I feel it is on my great days. I know there is discord surrounding whether people can be truly "recovered" in the absolute, independent past tense. I like to hope we can, for my sake and the sake of others! I would love to hear your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Kaitlin
Thank you for your wonderful message Kaitlin! We are in the same city and definitely need to meet up! Email me! emiberger9@gmail.com
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