How My Appearance Has Changed In 365 Days | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How My Appearance Has Changed In 365 Days

A lot can happen in a year.

22
How My Appearance Has Changed In 365 Days
Emily Shea

It's been said time and time again that a lot can happen in a year. But I guess that's for good reason, as I can hardy recognize the person I was 365 days ago. If you've met me within the last six months, there's a chance you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. But if you've been following my journey, you know that just a year ago I was dangerously underweight due to the eating disorder that was close claiming my life.

Aside from gaining the healthy weight that my body oh so desperately needed, this past year has also been a time of mental and emotional healing and growth. My brain finally found and captured the demon that had been hijacking my thoughts for the past, well, who knows how long. Now he or she or shim is locked up somewhere in the depths of my brain where it can no longer impact on the way I live my life.

Sometimes I can hear it shouting and screaming and hooting and hollering at me, and sometimes I even give in and listen. But most of the time I'm able to laugh it off and even yell back. This is definitely not something that I was doing a year ago.

In fact, a year ago this demon was running rampant throughout the inner workings of my brain, controlling my thoughts, my actions and my relationships; ultimately making my life a living hell. It convinced me to hate myself, to starve my body and to let go of the idea of ever living a normal life again. Simply

However, that's not who I am anymore. I'm not going to explain the process of recovery from my eating disorder. Partially because I've already done so in previous pieces, but mainly because what I've left unsaid cannot be put into words.

But what I can say is that if you are struggling with something right now, I promise you that it won't last forever. I don't make these types of promises lightly, and I know that if someone would have said that to me a year ago I wouldn't have believed it for a second. But please know that anything, absolutely anything, can happen in a year. It may be inexplicable, a miracle of God, the impossible made possible, but that is what's so magical and terrifying about the future. You have absolutely no control over what is going to happen a year from now. That doesn't mean that you should stop trying, give up and allow yourself to become a bump on a log. It means that you should keep working, moving forward, showing kindness to those around you and loving yourself with the intentions of moving in a positive direction while accepting that you have no control over the outcome.


Below you will find the change in my appearance that has taken place over the last 365 days. But more than that, I hope you find the light that has returned to my eyes.

May 2016- First hike with my best, best, best friend Clark.

June 2016- Trip to Charleston with mom.

July 2016- Annual family trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.

August 2016- Celebrating Josh's birthday at Umi.

September 2016- Celebrating my birthday at Sora. (We really like sushi.)


October 2016- Preparing for No Shave November.

November 2016- I have a feeling that mom wanted this picture because we matched.

December 2016- Decorating the Christmas tree.

January 2017- Steep Canyon Rangers concert at The Orange Peel.

February 2017- Post Valentine's Day dinner at Buffalo Nickel.

March 2017- Excited to see The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon during my trip to NYC.

April 2017- Family trip to Boston.

May 2017- Mass Comm Department Party with Allie and Jess.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183441
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10023
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454418
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24458
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments