Binge and Purge

There is a very important metaphor in the binge and purge cycle that should not be ignored. (See the Lessons To Heal section for more on metaphors) There is a kind of intensity about the act of bulimia. It is a violent one, a frenzied one, a frantic one. It can be incredibly time-consuming and the addictive nature of the cycle can easily TAKE OVER a person's life.

What I think is USEFUL about the binge and purge phenomenon is the idea of needing to purge. Humans definitely benefit from letting things out (not literally) when things bother them... this form of "purging" is actually therapeutic, not destructive. Unfortunately, bulimic purging is destructive (to the body, the spirit, and the heart) and ultimately does NOT let out what the person intends to let out... despite frequent purging, one continues to hold-in the emotions and thoughts that they are attempting to rid themselves of. TRY THIS INSTEAD: purge on paper.

PURGE ON PAPER = JOURNAL WRITING and is one of the most useful tools in gaining self awareness and a happier, stress-free life. It is also one of the most AFFORDABLE therapies around! It has been a dream of mine to publish a book titled "The BEST Self-Help Book Ever Written". It would be a book that was completely BLANK inside, because, the truth is, YOUR own writing in YOUR own words lies an untapped genius... so rather than spend money on a binge today, buy a blank book instead; and rather than purge today, purge on paper and write everything and anything you want. I have boxes of journals and pages upon pages of purges that never hurt my already fragile body and, in fact, have helped save my rather lost soul. So Mote It Be. - Lisa

To learn more about the wonderful women behind the billboard below, please visit their eating disorder site, Eating Disorders in a Disordered Culture, which includes a small memorial, personal accounts, and powerful art images... click here!