From a Google search, she came across a group of compulsive eaters anonymous and the 12-step method. She went to the first meeting with skepticism. In the circle sat people from all strata of the population, simple workers and senior managers.

Women and men, young and very old, bulimic eaters, anorexics, and compulsive eaters.
“How did I not hear about it until then? How many years of my life have I wasted?”
She thanks God for bringing her there in the end.

At first, she just listened and suddenly realized she wasn’t alone. Ela has lost 15 kilos to date and has another 35 kilos to go. She is a strong and determined woman, ready to start a new chapter in her life. Every evening, she commits to the menu she plans to eat the next day. Every evening, she also talks with her group mentor, a woman who has been attending meetings for years and is now strong enough to support new people.

She invites me to join her at a meeting and observe, and I agree. It’s strange, during the time I was ill, I never considered going to a support group; the shame was too great for me. Listening to her, I recall that dark period when food controlled my life. Ella serves as a mirror to my sane life today, showing me how much space recovery from this illness has freed up. What a relief and release to know I’m no longer there.

I look at her and see a determined and optimistic woman who has already decided enough is enough. I greatly admire her for her determination and the steps she is taking for herself.

Ella is in the midst of a tough and intense battle with her disorder, but I feel she is already on the right path, and am very happy to have the chance to be part of her journey.