Category: Life Writing

Life Stories Diary Why I write

Why I write

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The point about writing is the belief that I have something to say that might help others see an issue more clearly, understand something in greater depth, and bring comfort to the broken and bereft. In my years of journalism, a cynical way of looking at what writing does is...

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advocacy The importance of reframing ‘terminal anorexia nervosa’ as end-of-life care

The importance of reframing ‘terminal anorexia nervosa’ as end-of-life care

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Whether or not to define ‘terminal anorexia nervosa’ is being vigorously debated in the eating disorders field. In an article published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, August 25, 2023 edition, Andrea Phillipou writes: Although I disagree with the terminology of ‘terminal AN’ and believe that establishing criteria has the...

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Eating Disorders Look, listen and write – there are stories in everyday life

Look, listen and write – there are stories in everyday life

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Supermarkets are more than a place to purchase groceries. They are also a place to gather stories. And the extra good news is that these stories, which nourish our soul, are free. The stories won’t be found on shelves. They will be found in the aisles, in many shapes and...

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advocacy Welcome to Life Stories Diary

Welcome to Life Stories Diary

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The Diary Healer has transitioned to this new site with a new aim and a new name. Building on The Diary Healer’s accomplishments, lifestoriesdiary.com is here to encourage story-sharing and help you write your story. Are you one of the many people who say, ‘I will write my story one...

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advocacy Sharing our story gives others permission to share their story too

Sharing our story gives others permission to share their story too

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As I ‘came out’ and began to share my story publicly through my memoir, A Girl Called Tim (2011), an amazing thing happened. Shame, stigma, and secrets that had been the bane of my life for decades, were quelled. Rather than remain quiet, my diaries ‘came out’ too. For instance,...

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advocacy How my diaries led to a memoir and finding Me

How my diaries led to a memoir and finding Me

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When I mentor clients in memoir writing, I explain this can be a three-stage process, depending on their goal. Stage One involves writing the first version of your story for yourself. This is the time to put everything on the table. Don’t hold back. Maybe there are repressed experiences that...

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advocacy A decade of eating disorder stories in The Diary Healer archive

A decade of eating disorder stories in The Diary Healer archive

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An amazing depth of connection, awareness and self-discovery has evolved and blossomed through The Diary Healer blog since 2012. More than 500 first-person stories have been shared on the blog during this time. The archive of Diary Healer blogs has grown into a rich resource for anyone seeking information about...

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advocacy Korea’s first Eating Disorder Awareness Week giving life to small miracles

Korea’s first Eating Disorder Awareness Week giving life to small miracles

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In February this year, I took unpaid leave from work to organize Korea’s first Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW). Afterwards, I went straight back to work, but my employer was restructuring his business. This meant I could take a month’s paid rest before starting a new job. This period felt...

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advocacy The Evolution of my Diary Journey

The Evolution of my Diary Journey

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Have you ever felt ready to reset your priorities? I was feeling this way and now I am excited to share details of an upcoming change with you. The Diary Healer has shared personal stories of hope and awareness about eating disorders with many readers around the world since its...

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June's Writing Clan From young child with dreams to old man with wisdom

From young child with dreams to old man with wisdom

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Imagine you are very old, and you are travelling back in time, as a child, as an adult, and as a senior — Frank Upfill, octogenarian and member of June’s Writing Clan, takes us on a ride:  “How did you go at golf today?” Before I can answer, my friend Annette...

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