If you’re reading this, I’d like to welcome you and give you a hug.

Maybe you’re the parent or loved one of someone suffering with an eating disorder. Perhaps you’re in the throes of anorexia yourself. Maybe you think you may have the beginning stages of disordered eating. Or perhaps you’re on the journey to recovery.

Whatever has brought you here, I hope that through the story of my brokenness, and redemption through the Lord, you are able to find hope, encouragement, advice, healing, support, and comfort.

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This blog chronicles my journey from severe anorexia to recovery, and every twist and turn along the way. The blog posts are meant to be read from beginning to end, as a book. (( Glorious Wounds is the Introduction.)) So I would suggest reading “up” — starting from my oldest post, and working backwards to the most recent. This is my first post.

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I must warn you that the beginning is very dark — intense, raw, and despairing. It is an uncensored view into my mind when I was deep in my anorexia. However, I chose to be vulnerable and share that utter brokenness — that wreckage — in order for you to truly grasp the gravity of the disease, and how sincerely meaningful freedom through Christ has been in my life.

I also hope that you’ll find the resources section of my blog helpful. If you or a loved one is suffering with disordered eating habits, please seek professional help.

With that being said, I am not a doctor. I’m not a therapist, dietician, counselor, psychiatrist, etc. I’m just a girl. Who had a severe case of anorexia. And who is journeying through recovery, one day at a time. I’m just sharing my story with the hopes that it will help even one person.

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***To get a copy of my book, Bloom: A Journal by BeautyBeyondBones, click here! 

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A big thank you to my new sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

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2,012 thoughts on “Read This First”

  1. Thanks for liking my post, I like the title of your blog, sums it up perfectly. As a teenager I suffered an assault, the trauma of which made me stop eating..and lose a lot of weight! God helped me through, so thanks for helping others with your experiences here. God bless.

    Liked by 5 people

  2. […] If you are not familiar with her, Caralyn has just celebrated her 10th anniversary of recovery from anorexia.  She has blogged about her recovery since 2015 and is inspirational.  25,000+ followers think so.  I wrote an article about her IN January 2016, Beauty and the (ED) Beast, in case you’d like a fuller description.  If you really want the full impact of her ministry, start at the beginning. […]

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Hey Caralyn, I have a big ask. You how I’m always right? I have a youth mental health workshop coming up on May 27 (details at https://www.come2life.net) and today I had a brainwave and I believe I’m right about it.
    Would you please be wiling to create a short video (less than 3 minutes) that tells your story? I’m thinking highlights: struggle, turn around, recovery journey today. The emphasis would be on help, hope, and healing. We would then include your video in our workshop to encourage youth to ask for help and give them hope – we would be changing lives, setting captives free!
    This would be so valuable I am even willing to offer you some funds, keeping in mind I have no budget and it would be Canadian funds. Please, please, please.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Looking good Caralyn, You, lol, who would have thought eh? and also the great work of hope for others starting to take shape here. Your courage in being open will empower others to follow suit and be set free.
    God Bless and thanks for all the likes. Nanny.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I’m remiss thanking you for visiting my site and liking a couple of my posts. It means a lot to me, I’m still quite new to blogging and it feels great to have pieces liked. You are clearly doing important work on your blog, being very open and vulnerable about your experiences to help others and that is something to be incredibly proud of.
    Best wishes,
    Leslie

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Hey, this is a beautiful blog. I’m looking forward to unraveling the gems you’ve poured all over it.:-) It so accurately reminds me of my own struggle with depression.

    PS: Thank you for liking my post. It means so much.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Hey Caralyn, I don’t know if you remember but last year I posted my Essential Meditations over at “the Grace Apparatus” blog which is no longer there, sadly. You had liked some of the devotions and I wanted to let you know that I have a new site up now. I’m also getting ready to publish those devotions as a book. Anyway, not to be sleazy in self-promoting, but I wanted to invite you to come take a look if you’re interested. My site is http://genebrodejr.com Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Just a great blog! I was able to refer it to some of my friends via email, and I know it’ll help them as it does others! 😀 Thanks for liking my post, I’m a new blogger so everything helps, and thanks for ultimately leading me here.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. […] Beauty Beyond Bones is a blog written by a young woman named Caralyn who is recovering from anorexia.  Her posts are always inspirational and uplifting, especially if someone you love is a victim of this terrible disease.  Her most recent post is called Something’s Gotta Give and I encourage you to read it right now. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi! Thanks for reading some of my devotions. I’ve started reading your story and it was hard to stop reading; I need to get to bed now but I hope to finish reading it soon. Your story is incredible and you write very well. Thank you so much for your devotion to God by ministering to others through this blog. I praise God for you! Keep up the great work. Blessings in Christ!

    Like

  17. Thank you for liking my post. I’m hopeful in reading yours as I myself have just come into recovery, not only from alcohol but from my first life. I wish you much luck in your future. 🙂

    Like

  18. Hi, I have noticed that you enjoyed several of my post over time. Thank you for your interest it is greatly appreciated.
    Have a fantastic week!

    Like

  20. Thank you for liking many of my posts at reflectionsofalaycatholic.com. I’ve been reading some of yours and you have a fine blog here! You’re helping a lot of people and I like that you’re not afraid to let it be known that you had help from the Lord. Keep up your good work and God bless!

    Like

  23. Hi Beauty!
    I want to thank you. You’ve been such a faithful supporter of SCW. I really appreciate you. Your blog is awesome, very inspirational the pictures of you are great. Be encouraged! Keep up the good work.

    God Bless You!

    SCW

    Liked by 1 person

  24. I’m so glad that you liked my posts which in turn led me to your blog – what a blessing! I’ve also struggled with eating disorders in the past and I’m looking forward of reading your posts as you share your journey:-)

    Like

  25. Thanks for visiting my blog. Your story of becoming whole is spirit directed. It takes courage and confrontation to let go of what no longer serves. Bless you and many blessings on your work and journey. I write psychological and spiritual poetry and published Winters Mystery-Time To Go Within:Spiritual journeying. It is my story journeying towards wholeness.. prblumhagenauthor.wordpress.com

    Like

  29. My ex-girlfriend suffered from an eating disorder, and no amount of me telling her that she was beautiful, regardless, could persuade her from her reckless path. The more people who hear stories such as yours, the better we will all be for it.

    Stay strong, and hold happiness wherever you might find it.

    Like

  32. You are an inspiration! What you have been through can be seen from so many different points of view, but you choose to give glory to God for freeing you. As it should be! You go girl! You have big rewards waiting for you in heaven. Keep spreading the good news through your desktop ministry!
    xx Hugs xx
    Heather

    Like

  36. Caralyn, you are truly inspirational. I’m sure you coming across my blog was not a coincidence. We have both suffered and survived. You with anorexia, me with combat PTSD. I want to send you a big hug and thank you for the wonderful work you do. With people like you in the world, there is hope for us all. God bless you.

    Like

  37. Thank you for liking my post at knowledgeandproclamation.com You have a great blog full of content I will be sure to check back often.
    Thanks Again,
    Rob

    Like

  38. Wow… I’ve been a great fan of yours and I can’t just stop reading your posts… they are fun and at the same time serious! Kudos

    P. S: though it’s a little bit late, I’d like to thank you for liking the prologue of my ‘Double Beginnings’. I’ve also written a sequel *sheepish*

    Like

  39. Hey! I found your blog as I am currently awaiting referral to an eating disorder clinic (yay…!) and spending my summer stuck at home while my friends are off interrailing (double yay..) I love your writing style!
    I have just started my own blog exploring being a teenager with an ed and all things dating, life and everything in between so if you could check that out and maybe give it a share as well as offer any tips on blogging that would be SO appreciated.
    I am so in awe of what you do, you’re an inspiration.
    Thank you and all the best,
    Amy 🙂 xx

    Like

  40. I believe that every woman has struggled with an eating disorder at least once in their lifetime. I was walking in the mall yesterday and I noticed that almost every mannequin in the store window showed an unrealistic expectation for a human body. I am so glad that blogs like yours exist to combat the unhealthy obsession with beauty that our society has, to the point where women and girls wake up despising themselves instead of realizing that they are the treasured princesses of our Father in heaven.

    Like

  42. Hi thanks for liking my blog It was nice to know that someone actually looked at it. I think you are a very brave and beautiful person for telling your story I can only imagine what it was like for you. I think the greatest triumph is that God called you to himself. May He continue to bless you with good health and a long life

    Like

  43. Wow! You are beautiful! And, I don’t just mean physically. If I had time to go through and read/like all your posts I would. Keep writing! You are helping so many people. You’ll never know how far reaching your words have been.

    Like

      3. honestly blown away. i wish i could just sit down across from you and listen to you talk about your life.

        Like

  44. I really appreciate for liking my blog, you are the first person who liking my blog although i write in different language ( i mean, Indonesia language). And I come to your blog. what a beautiful blog. God Bless You

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Thank you for sharing your story, being vulnerable, and giving hope to others. You’re very courageous. God bless you in your journey as you reach out to help others. It’s a tough topic, but nothing is too difficult for our God!

    Like

  46. Thanks. Going through your blog and reading your about page has just encouraged me to be real. I like the fact that you always acknowledged God where it was due and you are not ashamed or afraid to let God show in your life and writings.

    Like

  47. Good afternoon! I’ve been following your blog for a short time but wanted to say I appreciate your openness and willingness to share your heart and story! You have a message girls of all ages need to hear and I know you will inspire and bless others. as a mom of two young girls I look for role models like you who have struggled but have over come and become such a wonderful and beautiful woman both inside and out. I am always excited to rest.
    I nominated you for a blogger award. you can see it at
    ittakesasaviortoraiseachild.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/the-versatile-blogger-award-my-1at-blogging-award/

    Like

  49. Thank you for the like on my recent blog post. It’s tough to be out there blogging again, but as you well know, we all have stories that need to be told. Although your blog is very new to me, I’m inspired by your authenticity. Thank you for liking mine so I could discover yours!

    Like

  50. To beautybeyondbones, I think this is a very worthwhile site, where others suffering what you went through yourself, can find some help, advice and guidance, and will be able to see their is hope for many, going through hard times. Good to see you are mainly recovered yourself. Also thanks for checking out and liking a recent post, I appreciate it.

    Michael.

    Like

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