Girl Redefined
redefine [v]: to give a new or different definition
Pieces of My Story
2016 - 2017
I began developing signs of Anorexia Nervosa during the spring of 2016, following attempts to eat healthy & get in shape for soccer season that had become obsessive. Slowly, over the following year, the condition worsened until my ED behaviors came to light that winter.
2017
In the spring of 2017 I was evaluated by Nationwide Children's ED program and placed into the hospital on account of a weak heart. I was there one week before being released to an intensive outpatient program. At this point I did not want to recover.
2017
Through the summer months I attended IOP, but was very passive in my recovery journey. I only engaged enough to keep people off my back, never desiring real change. That fall I started at university studying exercise science. I was placed on anxiety meds to help me cope with the stress of change and ED.
2017
That October I was in a car accident that sent me into relapse. This was followed by an unforeseen battle with debilitating joint pain of an unidentified origin. Following an episode of lost consciousness, I found myself at rock bottom and resubmitted my life to Christ. I stopped all meds the next day and within 3 weeks was healed.
2020
COVID hit just as I graduated from college, bringing everyone home. While difficult, the isolation led to increased growth, as I had extra time to focus on recovery and to be more present with accountability. Additionally, I began dating an old friend who knew my story and continued to push me both in recovery and in my relationship with God.
2019
This year was relatively uneventful, as I continued to pursue active recovery and learn the lessons God was teaching me. The biggest challenge in this season was relapse and learning to get up after every fall. I also became closer to God than ever before. I was starting to find joy again.
2018
That December, while sitting in church, I felt God calling me to start a blog and share my story. God was pushing me to be vocal about my struggle, which would cause ED to lose power and loosen the bonds of shame and guilt. After some internal debate, I caved, and Unconditional was created, pushing me further in my recovery as I began to share.
2018
I decided this was not the life I wanted and began to fully engage in recovery. With the assistance of a mentor from church and my parents, I faced my fear foods, engaged uncomfortable circumstances, and continued to pursue God with my whole heart. It was a season of small choices that made a big impact.
2020
That fall I began my two-year physician assistant program. Again, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety and tempted with relapse. This prompted me to ask God why accomplishments and numbers held so much power over me. Little did I know the answer to this question would also be the missing key to reaching full recovery: misplaced identity.
2021
I spent 2021 in the books. It was a rough year that felt both isolating and impossible. Yet, I was more determined and driven than ever. Refusing ED became easier, my anxiety started to diminish, and I became incredibly bold in my faith.
2021
Oh, and I also became a fiance that year!
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2022
With a busy year ahead - clinicals, my wedding, graduation - my anxiety began creeping up again. However, well-equipped and unafraid to seek help, I quickly managed it with low-dose medications to avoid panic. ED was starting to slip away, and I was starting to blossom.
My Recovery Timeline
2016 - 2023
My story spans seven years, but I’ve highlighted the key moments here. Hover over each photo to explore each season, and head to the blog below if you’d like to dive deeper.
2023
I moved to Virginia with my husband as he pursued his dream job in the Marine Corps. In my free time I worked on a book titled Girl Redefined, which focuses on recovery from a faith-based approach and helped solidify all I had learned. It, along with my newfound identity in Christ, then became the inspiration for my new blog: Girl Redefined. And I am proud to say: as of 2023 I am ED free!
2023
I was invited to speak at Harvest Hills regarding my story. As I sat with God preparing, it all finally clicked. After 6 years in recovery, I realized the problem was that my identity was in my illness, not Christ. With that final realization, ED was fully removed from his seat of power in my life.