Happy Independence Day

“Happy July 4th.”  “Happy 4th of July!”  On Thursday, this is what we will here from most people. 

What I say is “Happy Independence Day!”   On July 4, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress, on behalf of each and every colonist, signed the Declaration of Independence.

 On July 4, 2013, I challenge you to declare INDEPENDENCE from the tyranny of your eating disorder:  your behaviors, your thoughts, your feelings.   Those of you who know me know that I am all about milestones: holidays, life changes, important events that allow us to re-set ourselves and start anew.  Of course, you can do that each day.  AND on really important days, you have the opportunity to stand up and re-commit in a celebration of your life and your freedoms.  Consider these activities:

As you attend picnics with family and friends, choose being present with people over obsessing about your food issues or having behaviors that interfere with you enjoying your day.

When you see the American flag waving, put your hand over your heart and say the Pledge of Allegiance (hopefully you can remember itJ).   With your hand still over your heart, say “I pledge allegiance to myself.” Then spend a moment or two thinking about what that really means to you.

When you watch fireworks, think of using your healthy voice; how when you speak your truth, you will explode with flare, goodness and love, exciting yourself and all those around you.

Go to: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaDir/files/documents/handouts/NoWeigh.pdf  and sign your own Declaration.

 Think about one of the most famous phrases in history, from the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Yes, this applies to you.  You have a choice to believe and live this truth!

When you lay your head down to rest, smile and be grateful for all you have in your life and how our forefathers fought for our freedoms. 

Now it is time for YOU to fight for YOUR freedom and your INDEPENDENCE from ED.

Happy Independence Day!

Ann Hull

The Hull Institute, LLC

On Line Learning Launched!

The Hull Institute is pleased to announce our first ON LINE LEARNING courses.

Please go to eatingdisordercourses.com to check out our first series: Eating Disorders and Pregnancy. 

We know there is a great deal of information out there about eating disorders.  Some of it is up to date and reliable, some of it isn’t.  And anywhere you go, the information can quickly get overwhelming.  Sifting through it all can be exhausting. 

Our courses offer the information you need, in an easy to understand, succinct way.  We have a combination of slides and audio to teach the learner the basics of the topic presented.

Our courses cannot replace therapy, nutrition counseling, or medical care.  And for those folks who have no access to care or are reluctant to get help just yet, one of our courses may be just what you need to get started on the recovery journey.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ann Hull, President, The Hull Institute, LLC

Happy Easter, 2012

HAPPY EASTER!

Blessings to each of you for a wonderful Easter!  Christians believe today is the most Holiest of days.   If you are celebrating Easter, please take time to reflect on the meaning of this day, the gifts you have been given, and if you are making the most of yourself and your life.

Are you moving forward and saying “NO” to ED, or “YES” to a life of being “the best version of yourself” in God’s light?  For all you fabulous women and men of all faiths, LET’S CELEBRATE LIFE!

Ann Hull, LISW, President, The Hull Institute, LLC

April 8, 2012

Oscars, 2012. Disappointment. Disgust. Rage.

Oscars, 2012. Disappointment. Disgust. Rage.

All directed at Angelina Jolie’s right leg and the dictated "glamour" of Hollywood.  Why do we get sucked into this starlet’s mental health issue?  Our gawking and idolizing play right into her narcissism. Reportedly, Angelina has a history of psychiatric trouble.  Reportedly, she has admitted to eating as little as 600 calories per day. Reportedly, she stands with the foreign refugee kids she helps..."if they can't eat, I can't eat."  For whatever reason she does what she does, let's call it what it is:  UNHEALTHY.   But really, what a role model she might be if only she could care enough about herself and all the young women around the world who idolize her.  Clearly, she's too sick to recognize her misguided portrayal of health and beauty.  Yes, Dr. Drew and others have called her “malnourished” and “dangerously thin”.  Great.  That's a start.  But it's up to young women to refuse this notion of "beauty".  Like Grandma always said, “beauty comes from within”.  Beauty is compassion and confidence in being a true role model.  Angie seems to have it all (on the outside) ... AND an eating disorder.  Go ahead and look, but don't idolize her.  Feel sorry for her and then look the other way.

I am Jill Brown, Registered Dietitian at The Hull Institute.  Those of you who know me know I am passionate about this issue.  Those who don’t know me, well, here’s a glimpse!   I couldn’t let this issue pass without comment.

At the close of Eating Disorders Awareness week, we invite you to spend some serious time pondering your values, your goals for yourself, who you want to be, and commit to becoming that person.  If we at The Hull Institute can be of assistance, please contact us.

Follow directions. Ours, not ED’s, not Hollywood's. 

Lack of Oxygen

As we complete month 1 of this New Year I am reminded that each of us has great potential.  We all have new opportunities for health, wealth and happiness.  In making space for my own personal opportunities, I was struck by an article in my University of Colorado alumni bulletin about the 1996 Mount Everest climb gone awry.  You might recall the expedition of seasoned climbers who had well laid plans for making it safely to the summit.  Eight climbers died on that tragic day.  Of 3300 climbers who have ever made it to the top of the highest peak in the world, 220 have died.  That is less than 1%.  Don’t forget that 10-15% of people with eating disorders die.  Eating disorders are way more risky than climbing Mount Everest…

Years later, one of the survivors of that climb, Neal Beidleman, a CU grad, returned to the mountain and had this to say: “A lot of people have burdened Scott and Rob (two seasoned guides who perished) and others up there after the fact with all the things they should have done.  But the reality is, once you are out of oxygen, your world becomes very small and you are capable of becoming very limited.  I was reminded of that.”

Oxygen is fuel.  HEALTHY FOOD is also fuel.  Without both, our world can become very small, and all our potential is lost and we ourselves become very small and limited.  No one chooses to get an eating disorder.  And you CAN CHOOSE to have, or not have eating disorder behaviors.  The thoughts linger, ED’s voice can be very strong at times, and each person has the choice to say NO to behaviors, and YES to life!

Neal also had this to say: “…You can come to terms with accepting what your limitations are.  Just allowing yourself to appreciate that you maybe did everything you could under the circumstances is really powerful.” 

So, today, work on accepting yourself, make space for goodness and new opportunities, and BREATHE!

Ann Hull, LISW, MBA

The Hull Institute, LLC

http://www.hullinstitute.com/.  PLease feel free to comment on our blogs and contact us on Facebook and Twitter

A Christmas Carol

"He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle*, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us Every One! "
From "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, 1843
Most of us have seen this movie and play. The story about Scrooge may remind you of yourself today, or in the past, or as you fear your future. The spirits of Christmas past, future and present remind us to live in the now and enjoy what we have now. If we are lamenting the past or fretting the future, we cannot be present and grateful for what we have and who we are right now.
The Total Abstinence Principle is worth considering. Please ponder this statement:* The Total Abstinence Principle has nothing to do with teetotaling or the avoidance of other ordinary vices; instead it is abstinence from being bitter, mean-spirited, angry, dour, greedy, grasping, self-centered, and unforgiving. Especially dour.
http://goatcentral.blogspot.com/2008/12/total-abstinence-principle.html
In the eating disorders world, abstinence means abstinence from ED behaviors, or NOT straying from the meal plan. Can you, can anyone, have abstinence from dour feelings without first having abstinence from your eating disorder behaviors?
How can you make this holiday season what YOU want it to be? Will it include ED and other abusive voices in your head or in real life? Can you have both: your eating disorder and a season of health, a healthy relationship with yourself or loving relationships with others? Please share your thoughts, feelings and ideas with us and others who want to hear from you.
It is your choice. We at The Hull Institute hope you choose health and love and we wish you a joyous holiday season and a fabulous 2012!

As we share Thanksgiving with family and friends, we acknowledge it is a time of gratitude and thankfulness. We also know it is a time of great anxiety to those experiencing an eating disorder—either personally or as witness to someone we care about. The following may sound familiar…
So much trepidation. So much deceit. Everyone is seated around the table. So much food. To her, disgusting amounts of food. She may secretly want to dive in head first. But, she can’t. She would never. She is frozen. She feels that all eyes are on her again. Another holiday. No matter where she is in her eating disorder, she’s never quite sure how to play it. This head game. She tries to be normal. They know she’s not. They are worried: waiting anxiously to see a change, an improvement, a sign that she’s ”over it”. They try not to let her see their glances. She sees. To her, it feels like judgment day.
She should not make a scene right now. Or should she? What does it matter? They are all watching her anyway. Anticipating her cry for attention. Or maybe willing her to plea for help... But, if she pulls off “normal”, they will rest assured that (if only) for the time being, she’s better. They’ll move on to other things. She will escape their scrutiny (if only) for today.
They are all so judgmental. Nagging her. Concerning themselves with her health. Wanting to help fix this battle she deals with all day—every day. Hoping she will experience joy and fully engage in life. Praying she will conquer and move on. They, too, deal with this all day. Every day.
She has a choice to make today, on this holiday. And every day is a new day.
While seeking help may be difficult for some, offering help may be difficult for others. With family and friends around, be gentle with one another. Count your blessings, hug your loved ones and be grateful for these times. The Hull Institute wishes you all a very peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.