Failing to Succeed Anonymous

Beep. Beep. I opened my eyes, turned my head to the right, and saw the spiky graph on the little monitor that told me someone was alive. I looked at my body and saw the wires stuck to it, which informed me that the beeping heartbeat was mine.

I closed my eyes and recalled months of sitting silently in the therapist’s office as my parents spoke for me. I recalled the final weeks of 8th grade that I had missed and the moment my gymnastics coach told my parents that I was anorexic, and was too sick to practice. I recalled the weekly, and then semi-weekly, visits to the doctor to check my vitals, and finally the visit that resulted in me being rushed to the hospital.

I was only in the hospital for a short amount of time, but it was enough. My life had been spiraling out of control for months in my attempt to achieve perfection, and I had hit rock bottom. It was time for me to pick myself up and make the arduous climb to a healthier and more fulfilling place in life.

Recovery necessitated that I reflect on who I was and who I wanted to be. From this intense period of introspection, I gained penetrating insights into my limits, aspirations, flaws, and strengths. In light of my newfound wisdom I was able to chart a path forward, and...