Yes, that could be considered a confrontational question, but in fact it is a very important one I urge you to consider. Sometimes we are so attached to the stories and events of our past, and how they have defined our lives and who we've become, that we can't possibly imagine a future looking much different from where we are today. This is exactly where I spent most of my life, and I have to say the result, unfortunately, was predictable - more suffering.

Letting go of our suffering does not mean that we discount or excuse some of the terrible or tragic things that have happened to us in our lives, but instead it offers us each an opportunity to acknowledge and make peace with them so that they are not running our lives today. Eating to squelch the pain from the wounds of yesterday is simply an unfortunate way that we attempt to take care of ourselves. In a backwards way we are trying to look after ourselves.

If you are still stuck on the events that happened to you in your childhood, or even as an adult, that have caused you pain, and you are unable to focus on moving forward, than I recommend that you seek the help of a good therapist, preferably one that specializes in eating disorders. (Resources below)

In my practice, I have found that clients who have yet to do this work are not yet ready for coaching simply because the past is still driving the present. This is not a good thing or a bad thing, but simply one of the things that needs to be addressed along the road of recovery. Therefore, therapy is one thing to be added to what I call your 'recovery took kit'. I personally received help at the Eating Disorders Clinic in Toronto, and it has been invaluable to me. There is help available!

In Toronto: www.eatingdisorders.ca; in Canada www.nedic.ca ; in the US www.nationaleatingdisorders.org