Sharing a Photo of my Past

Well guys, I officially cannot believe I’m doing this.

Seriously. I’m sitting here thinking about it, and I’m like…


Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

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In case you missed the title, I’m sharing a photo with you from my past. When I was in the throes.

The video says it all…why I haven’t previously shared a photo, why I am choosing to now, and what I think when I see this image today.

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Just a gentle note, this image could be triggering, so please view at your own discretion. (Image at 4:30)

Thanks for watching, and thanks for taking this journey with me.

Without further ado… (Click on the photo or click here to play 😉 )

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

382 thoughts on “Sharing a Photo of my Past

  1. I want to say it was by chance you stopped by my blog. I know we have different eating disorders but I still feel your pain. I think we crossed paths for a reason. I’m proud of you. You’re a strong amazing person. I’m thankful our paths crossed. God bless you.

    Chrystal

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I have always loved your authenticity of your posts. You are brave in your written posts, but Oh, wow the heart and vulnerability of your video comes through on all levels. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being honest about your journey. You’re an inspiration of hope for people to stay or start a journey of healing.
    💜Alexis

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Hey girl I just watched your video and I have to say I was so touched by how open you were being. I haven’t followed your blog as long as some of your other readers but I felt so connected to you immediately especially when you said you’re grateful to be alive. I know how that feels to be thankful just to be where you are now because I’m nearing my second year of staying clean.

    Like

  4. Moving and powerful, Caralyn. How brave of you to share the photo with us. I would say that much like your journey to showing parts of your face in photos to doing video, it’s been a similar journey for you to get to the point to show that photo, but also note how grateful you are to be healthy and alive. I didn’t see that as a dramatic admission, but one based in faith and hope. I don’t want to make showing your face on a blog as important as what you’ve been through, but I find the journeys similar.

    The old saying I used to hear growing up is while I may not be where I want to be, thank God I’m not where I was. That seems to apply to you, dear. Here’s hoping to continued health and happiness for you.

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  5. You are such a strong remarkable woman. You have overcome, but just survived but overcame and thrived. So proud of you. You are such an inspiration. Keep shining your light.

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  6. I know how much courage that took…I felt it, as it brought tears to my eyes. Do you know what an inspiration you are? I’m glad you’re here and thanks for sharing and being open and honest and letting people know that there IS a way back.

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  7. You are a beautiful soul my Angel!!! You are an inspiration to ALL and I know it took a lot to share your story and photo! Know we ALL love you, your Angels love you and are always with YOU, and God loves you and is always there for and proud of you! xoxo

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  8. You are courageous, and I just want to say, “thank you.” Thank you for sharing more of your story in an even deeper, more personal, visual way… Also, I’m so very grateful, too, that you’re both alive and healthy and blessed. And may God continue to bless you abundantly!

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      1. I wish I could put words to the feelings I felt throughout your video, not just the photo. I don’t think I ever will have the words. Too many feelings all gathered together. All I know is that I am so grateful that I followed your blog. Not a blog I would have normally followed since I don’t have an eating disorder. I have my own “disorder” and your posts and messages have always been so inspiring for me. Even from a deep emotional expression such as this video, I leave feeling uplifted and truly touch within my heart. Filled with hope. You have a good night also, Caralyn. 🙂

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  9. Bless you! I so felt your emotion watching this. You are very down to earth and courageous. You are “Beauty beyond bones”. I’m fortunate to have found your blog. Bless again and stay strong and please keep blogging. ♥

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  10. very brave post! as someone who has seen a close family member struggle with anorexia I know how hard it can be–it’s awesome to see how far you have come:D

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  11. Hi! I came here and watched your video. I know I am still young but thank you for sharing this. I smiled when you said you are glad to be alive. Well, stay strong!
    XOXO

    Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome 💋
        And thank you for posting. Looking forward for more of your posts. (Sorry if my English is not that good 😜)

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      2. Nice to talk to you. Then, I shall watch anime again. Talk to you again some other time 😉

        Like

  12. God and your journey have made you beautiful with a powerful message. I am thankful you are here to share the journey with us.

    Like

  13. Reblog on my site, hope that is ok, your words of courage and strength are inspiring. I like how you remind us that when making a change for the better in our lives it has to be on all levels. Thank you for sharing, I am sure you will help others who are struggling.

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  14. It must have taken a crazy amount of courage to post that picture. I can’t even imagine.

    Kudos to you for having reached a healthier mindset both physically and spiritually. And may God be praised for all of His help. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. There is great strength and power in your testimony. I thank god for your courage and willingness to share it with us and for allowing me to be a small fraction of this story. You are a blessing to many and are truly beautiful and truly being the light of the world.

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  16. Great post 🙂 It is never easy for any human being who is gone through a painful part of their past to depict it in candid detail, but you were very courageous to do so and I am so proud that you are now a happy individual with a life that is continuing to flourish. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John, that really means a lot. You’re right-it was deffffinitely pretty scary to press publish on this one. Thanks for being such an awesome source of support and encouragement 🙂 hope you’re having a great week! sending big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  17. There is a part of you that holds a inner peace like no other. Most of your story tells of a person that battled and conquered a very nasty battle that so many battle. The first part comes when you see that tragedy is coming. Second do what you must to correct it. Third talk to someone about it. All of which you have done.

    Now as my point, It took much courage to express your feelings, Sure before showing your picture you made statement of worry for those who might not like the trigger then after showing your picture you hesitated.

    So it did have a flash back not only of that life, but also the worry for those other who have battled or maybe battling it. By you opening this wound in your life you may help other readers who are battling it now, and just need that little push to get them started.
    Despite that statement through the whole video, I seen areas peace within your life that many don’t show, even after talking about certain situations including yours.
    The rest of the presentation you emotion was more of a person who had let go of the past, found Peace within and took control of their life. Keep strong and your life will prosper.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. You’re beautiful..thanks for being so brutally honest and transparent. I wish there were more people like you in this world. Where you begin in life is not where you you’ll end. Stay on course, your journey of recovery is inspiring. I pray that those who read your blog , see tbe beauty of a spiritual human being who overcame adversity. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Thanks so much for sharing that part of your story with us! It’s so inspiring to see how God has really worked in your life, and is now using you as a living testimony of His faithfulness! 🙂

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  20. Beauty! I’m glad you hithtebutton! 🙂 First, very brave to share this way. I would not have guessed that was a picture of you. To my eyes, it didn’t look as bad as I had imagined from your earliest descriptions. I remember you describing the hair loss and more. Still, the fact that it looked nothing like YOU tells me just how dire things were.

    Second, I don’t think you’re being dramatic by saying you’re glad to be alive. Remember that I’ve been there 3 times! I’m glad to be alive; that’s just a fact for me as much as it is for you! And I can think of 15,000+ people who are at least as glad as you are!

    You’ve done a great work in ridding yourself of those last emotional wounds by revisiting your pains and salvation with us! You’ve healed with family friends from the past, you’ve shared you name, your face, and now the face of your ED. In the process, you are a relentless witness to the healing power of Jesus, showing others the way from whatever they suffer, be it ED or something else.

    Thanks for not just being a blogger, but being a friend to me and all of your readers. Blessings to you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Jeff! Aw, thank you. That’s kind of you to say. I’m so grateful that we’re friends too! 🙂 You constantly bring a smile to my face, and send me so much kindness through the inter webs 🙂 hehe and Amen to that – Jesus is so good. I seriously owe it all to Him – ev-er-y-thing! I know you know this too. Sending massive hugs to you, Jeff. Have a terrific weekend. xox

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Thank you so much, BBB, for posting this, and sharing your wounds, your life. I am so thankful to God for your beautiful recovery. May you continue to draw your strength, courage and identity from God and allow His beautiful Truths of who you really are to permeate and envelop every fiber of your being. For you are His masterpiece! And a most gorgeous one at that ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Mindy! Thank you so much for this kind note of encouragement. I really appreciate your support. Amen to that-God has truly transformed my heart and healed it and for that I am eternally grateful. Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful evening. Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  22. i wanted to click the like button but that doesnt describe how i feel, if there was a love button i would’ve clicked that, thank you for sharing.

    Like

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