Hello,

I’m fairly skilled and practiced with IE principles which I credit with significant contribution to ED  recovery, taking back my life, and finally, mostly living in freedom and peace.  My one hold out that still causes me distress after all my work and practice, is that of accepting my body size and shape.  Not so deep down I still feel I need to be smaller to be “OK.”   When I really get down on myself, usually after seeing myself in a photo or full-body in a mirror, I can go to the extreme of fantasizing about surgical procedures to lift this and fix that.  Rationally I understand this diet culture perspective continues to cause harm, yet I struggle with challenging my old beliefs and values around my body size and shape.  Granted I have gotten way better at living in my body without the restriction of allowing myself to be seen, for example, planning a radical 2025 beach vacation, because I love the water more than I want to remain hidden; yet I can still get derailed by old views and judgments.  I would love to hear about anyone’s journey and success with Principle 8.  It is the one piece I need to fully take back my life.