Well, I made it. One year with no purging. I did not think I would be able to go that long. 

This is not to say that I have not struggled in the past year, because I have. Over eating is still a tough thing for me to resist. I am an emotional eater, and I happen to be very emotional. However, with lots of prayers, encouragement, support, love and guidance I have made it one full year. I can hardly believe it.

I have been tempted in the past year to purge, but always thought of how I would feel after, and I did not want to disappoint all of you who have been encouraging me this whole way. I know I'm not out of the clear, but I feel like I am getting there. And it's a wonderful place to be.

Recently while walking I heard this song. Yes I realize it's probably geared towards teenagers, but the words struck home HARD.



What an amazing song, what a great message, and why can't we just all be our own 'Beautiful Me?'

I am reaching a point in my life where I am ready to accept myself for who I am. I was created by God for a reason, and who am I to tell him that he did not do a good enough job? Sure I have my imperfections (inside and out), but who doesn't? I need to embrace those and realize that those imperfections help to make me ME.

I could list everything I wish I could change about myself but what good does that do? I can't change how I look ( I mean really), and honestly I don't want to. The things I CAN change are on the inside, and that is what I am working on. So, I will continue to do so.

I want to thank you all so much for all of your support, honesty, love, acceptance and no judgment. You all mean so much to me, and I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who care about me.

Everything I just said pertains to being a parent as well. I believe as parents we need to raise our children with a boost of self confidence. I don't think too much confidence can hurt children at all. Children don't become conceited because their parents praised them too much. I believe they become conceited when they get spoiled. Praising a child is not spoiling them.

Have you told your child how wonderful they are today? Did you give them an extra hug, say an extra “I love you?" I encourage you to do so. You'll never know how far a little praise can go.

Thank you all again for your support. I couldn't have done it without you. Here's to another year!

Jillian Van Leer Jillian is 29 years old and is the mother of two boys: Aidan, who is 5 years old, and Owen who is 3 years old. Jillian couldn't wait for the day she became a mother, and now she's living her dream as a stay-at-home-mom. Read More >>