Eater's Agreement

As a deserving human on this earth, I choose to eat for freedom, for relationships, for compassion, and for joy. However, I cannot live in this light while clinging to aspects of my eating disorder. I must surrender my all to recovery. Therefore, I, Margaret Hartmann, agree to eat my food and keep it. I agree to be an eater. Not only will I eat my meal plan, I agree to refrain from purging my food and abusing exercise. I know the road ahead is long and windy, yet I agree to find the joys in my journey, continuing to move forward no matter the challenge.

I agree to live each day fully in the present. I will not let the pain of my past cover me with the shame and fear I’ve known for too long. I choose to use my voice when I am frightened as I way to express my true feelings and bring truth to the situation. Paralyzing fear will no longer keep me from enjoying nights on the town or fun get togethers. As I live in the present moment, I will not let my eating disorder self gain fuel from past shame.

Additionally, I agree to respect my body. It is a temple for my soul, the home that connects my true self to the world around me. Because it is uniquely mine, comparison will no longer rob me of joy. I need this physical body to live; and therefore, I will treat it with the most tender care. Although I may not like the body I am in, I will continue nourishing it because it provides me with the gift of life. I will strive daily to choose what I am craving whether that be a rich brownie, a salty bag of chips, a crisp salad, or a silky bowl of ice cream. I choose to refrain from letting my perception of my body influence my food.

I know I will make mistakes. I will fall, and I will slip. However, I also know that I will get back up. I will learn from my mistakes. I will fight even stronger. I will do the harder thing. My fiery spirit will not give up. Each day, I agree to honor my needs, emotions, and body. Reaching out when the battle is tough and telling the truth will be my saving graces. Furthermore, I proclaim to take pride in my authentic self without judgment, knowing that I am doing my best each and every day.