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Dawn-Renée Rice's avatar

REALLY resonate with this one. I have intermittent binge eating disorder, ADHD and Complex PTSD. I've gained about 40 pounds BACK in the past 3 years that I'd lost and kept off for several years. Then, I had to put my life on hold to raise my twin grandsons with multiple special needs. It was extremely stressful and traumatic. So I ate to cope.

I also have a foot disability that worsened and I'm now mainly couchbound. I can walk a little, but primarily use a wheelchair. Being physically active has been DIFFICULT.

And like you, I'm short (5'2") and about 10 pounds away from my heaviest. It's amazing how hard it is to lose weight. Having PCOS and peri-menopause hasn't helped!!

I'm being treated for severe chronic sleep deprivation and as I'm getting more and better sleep, I have more energy!

I'm doing what I can, as I can. That's the best we can do. I'm going to check out phenylamine. Unfortunately, I couldn't handle Vyvanse for ADHD. Made my blood pressure skyrocket AND increased my appetite!

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Sending you so much love Dawn-Renee, it really is a hard and wild ride and we have to continue on through it. Thank you for reading!

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Diamonde's avatar

Your vulnerability and transparency and honesty is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing it all! I had bulimia so I understand eating as coping. I still eat to cope in some ways.

love the affirmation at the end!

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you Diamonde!!

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kaylen alexandra's avatar

You are stunning in both photos, but I understand not feeling at home in your body. Thank you for being so transparent with your journey and cheers to finding the best path forward for your mind/body/soul!

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you K! And that’s exactly how it felt. I think that’s why my focus this time around is just to feel good and like my body.

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Chelsea Uzomah's avatar

I'm happy it worked out for you. You look lovely in both pictures. Thanks for sharing your story and for being transparent.

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you so much Chelsea!

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Bec Bolettieri's avatar

This whole read feels so close to me, but the Currently section is like glue. "My words are needed in this world. My stories have healing powers." Thank you for showing up and reminding me.

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you so much for reading!

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Untrickled by Michelle Teheux's avatar

I’ve had such good results with tirzepatide. Down 60-some pounds in 11 months. Every health metric is better. I wish this drug had been available 30 years ago. I’m technically a few pounds overweight but idc if I don’t lose more because this is fine.

It’s NOT CHEATING. I’m using a medication that corrects something wrong with my physical body. (I already ate quite well. Haven’t changed my diet.)

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

I’m glad you’ve found what works for you!

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