
06/19/2025
I love music & concerts but hadn't attended them in so long due to my battle with an eating disorder called arfid (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake disorder). I honestly didn't know it even existed.
I had a parasitic infection for at least a year undiagnosed so I felt certain foods, eating situations & social settings weren't safe for me anymore. I suffered with arfid for 11 years. I had some positive moments however overall I was anxious in most social scenarios especially those involving food or crowds. I had also been dealing with other health issues & adrenal depletion but I'll save that for another post.
My bf bought me a ticket as a gift last Christmas to see City & Colour () in Oshawa. I was excited but also very nervous/anxious When I received the gift, I asked " Do you think I can do this?" "Of course!" he replied & was supportive & encouraging.
The day arrived and we ate at a café. I still had thoughts of not wanting to eat too much or be too full. The café was quiet so I felt comfortable. We attended the concert & had a blast! Somehow I managed to gather my strength, stay present with the music & those previous anxieties didn't control the situation. It also helped that I had the support of my partner. Btw if you haven't seen City & Colour, you must 😉🥰
That exposure therapy was successful 🙌 I was still waiting to attend the eating disorder program to help me advance with more consistency & for me to understand more about arfid.
It's important to continue searching for information & treatments for health & wellness. My advice is to find a combination of things that work for you & also be willing to try new things. Sometimes new things may take a period of time before you notice positive change.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! 🙏 If you are reading this & are struggling with your health & wellness ..... " I see you!" If you're reading this & you've made it through some struggles & are on the other side of it now..... "I see you!" Celebrating YOU! Celebrating ME! Celebrating US for continuing to move through life's challenges. Building Resiliency ✌️
Sending you love ❤️ & light ✨️