I wanted to start the CB Book Club for a few reasons..... 1. Because I personally love reading (one of my favorite under the weather & relaxing moment past times) 2. Because books get you thinking, talking, and sharing which, in turn, helps you connect with others about things you never knew you'd connect about 3. Because I have read a ton of really freaking amazing books that I want to give shoutouts to and recommend to others So here we go. Basically how we will do this is.... I will share a book that I have read/am reading. I will read it. Whoever reading this blog who wants to will read it. And then we can discuss via your comments or what I usually get are Instagram DM's or emails which are totally fine as well. All of the books are carefully selected, they aren't just random things that I read and decide to throw on the blog. Promise. So have full faith that I am steering you in the right direction as far as these recommendations. Time is limited so we can't just be reading any old boring AF book now can we..... It is all about the purpose. I really wanted to start with honestly one of the most influential books in my adult life. Most of the books I like to read are personal development related and the more they speak to the soul the better. This book gave me all the feels and made me personally reflect on how I treat my body and how I live my life. "The Goddess Revolution" dug up some serious emotions and actually urged me to revisit my story of the struggles I have had with body image and loving myself.
Before I explain how influential this book was to me I feel like I have to give a bit of a backstory as to why it made such an impact. Throughout high school I struggled with anorexia and eventually after years of battling with myself and striving for an unrealistic goal of perfection I made the best decision I have ever made. Right after I graduated high school I voluntarily went into a hospitalized program for anorexia. Throughout my time in treatment I discovered why I am the way I am and really figured out what drives me and what makes me truly happy. I met people who will continue to inspire me for the rest of my existence and I gained the courage to share my story and help others. I have been pretty shy about publicly sharing my story around my eating disorder but I was always open to sharing and being full disclosure in private when others were in need. It is kind of strange now to think about how open I am regarding my Crohn's Disease but how my struggle with anorexia has become an ugly, distant cousin that I hide away in the closet. After reading this book, I revisited my uncomfortable feelings regarding my ED and realized that I have lived these past seven years since treatment not speaking about what I went through openly. It is not because I am embarrassed, but because it is something that I will always struggle with so I don't want to call attention to it unless it is with someone who understands. When I got diagnosed with Crohn's, my body changed. My metabolism changed. My medications made me look and feel ways that I never had before. It was uncomfortable and as of today, it still is. "The Goddess Revolution" was a beautiful sign brought into my life that pulled me out of what could have been unhealthy again and helped me re-appreciate the beauty that is this body I live in. I was randomly scrolling through Instagram when I came across Mel Wells' Instagram where the beautiful bombshell shares her struggles with eating disorders and her holistic approach to creating a happy, balanced, and full life. I happened to stumble upon it right when her book, "The Goddess Revolution" was just released. I immediately ordered it on Amazon and as soon as it got to the house I marathoned through the first half. For some reason I just couldn't get any further at the time. I think it was because I wasn't ready. I spent months going through many new changes at home, at work, and in my health and recently just finished this amazing book during my trip to Maui. Now that I have worked through the whole thing I am so thankful I did. There are truth bombs on every page but for every moment where you think "oh shit that's definitely me" there is a story or a quote or a solution delivered by Mel that immediately makes you feel like you aren't alone. This book isn't like any other diet or lifestyle book. It doesn't tell you the secret to looking like one of those Instagram butt models or to never feel like eating that extra dessert. It teaches you how to love love love yourself, your body, your life. I don't know how else to explain this book besides the fact that it helps you to invoke true self love and respect for yourself. And that is something that I know we all deserve. I do have to say that I am happy that I have been though what I have been through with my ED treatment AND with my Crohn's. Both of these struggles have made me a better person and helped me connect with great communities. There is nothing to be ashamed of whether you struggle with a chronic illness or a mental illness. Your genes are your genes and you have to embrace what you've got and turn lemons into lemonade. The way I look at it, I've dealt with what I have dealt with so that when I have children I can help them live full and happy lives without negative feelings around food and with an understanding that if you feel like something isn't right it is better to share and resolve it than keep it in for years until you explode. I like to think that my self discovery and struggle will provide a better life for my family. Mel and her story gave me the courage to share my full story with you all. I hope that no matter if you've had an ED or not, whether you think you 100% love your body or not, or whether you think you are beyond emotional repair or not.... I hope you read this book and let Mel's beautiful message speak to you. Because you deserve to love yourself the way that this book preaches you should! Check out Mel's website to learn more about her approach to life and her retreats that she hosts for goddesses like us. Let me tell you it is a serious goal of mine to attend one of her retreats or at least an online coaching session for now! I recently passed this book along to a woman in my life who I love so much and who I hope takes this message and transforms herself with it. This woman is my mom, my hero, who I know deserves all the self love that will come her way after delving deep into her emotions through this book. I hope that you all pass it on to all of the amazing ladies in your life after you read it. Read up and let me know your thoughts via comment, email, or Instagram. I love hearing feedback and connecting people within our community. As always thanks for the support and I hope you all continue to appreciate me sharing with you. "The Goddess Revolution" can be find online through Mel's website or through my personal favorite.... Amazon. #nextdaydelivery xx
1 Comment
Bridget Gavaghan
12/12/2017 12:21:31 pm
one of the best books i could have read. It pissed me off so much because it was so true!! I am looking for something like this to read next!!! i am over the :cardio sucks" "eat this not that" I want to live my life and not feel guilty. I have come a long way from where i was and I have been struggling. This is where i stop it and live life!
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Blonde babe.
Millennial mom. Crohn's crusher. Mental health advocate. Sharing my raw and real journey through motherhood and navigating Crohn’s Disease. CrohnicallyBlonde is a place where I serve up my unfiltered commentary on chronic illness, mental health, pregnancy, and motherhood alongside lighter lifestyle content like beauty product reviews, travel tips, and book recommendations. My hope is that by authentically sharing my story I can help others going through similar situations not feel so alone and maybe even laugh along with me. categories
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