EAT. (It's Not About Food).

Everyday we hear and see tragedies all across the world. From wars, to bullying, natural disasters to terrorism- terrible events occur. While often times (in cases of war and bullying for example) people hurt others, we never really think about who else is vulnerable. We never stop to think that sometimes the person who can hurt us the worst is ourselves 

Tonight, my school put on a production of the play, "EAT. (It's not about food)."  I attended because I have to write a paper on it. It was an impactful play that focused on eating disorders affecting people of all ages and genders.

Typically, food is taken for granted. For many, it is accessible at all times. For others, the blessing of a meal is only a far off dream. People, like myself even, who are granted food to nourish and strengthen our bodies, forget that others are no where near as fortunate. 

The play was very interesting and eye-opening. Sometimes, it can be nearly impossible to tell is someone has an eating disorder. I'm sure I am surrounded by it in my one school and don't even realize it. Tabloids, celebrities, models, and society overall has taken control of people's minds. They are made to believe that looking a certain way is the only way. If you are not perfect, you are nothing. If your thighs touch, or your collarbones don't jut out, you are fat. If you aren't tall and lean you are unworthy. If your hair doesn't sway and long and perfect and if your nose doesn't slope the right way, no one will ever like you. For boys, they have to meet up to all the other boys' standards. If they are too skinny, they are criticized. If they aren't skinny enough they are criticized. 

The most impactful scene in the entire play was when it was dark. The entire auditorium was pitch black. All that could be heard, loud and prominent, was the erratic heart beeping on a monitor. It was a irregular beating that lasted for almost a minute before... Flatlined. The steady beep of nothing. Of a life lost. It was one of the teenage girls who passed away. Her own demons consumed her. 

People constantly strive for perfection and criticize their own selves hardest of all. I know I struggle personally with body image issues. Sometimes I feel alone, but then I remember so many others struggle, too. I find so many imperfections with my appearance it sickens me. 

We are told that inner beauty is what really matters, but our outward appearance is what is always judged. It is what makes or breaks you it seems, especially in good, old high school. 

So many people can not handle their own looks. The solution seems simple: eat healthier.  Exercise... Skip a meal... Throw it up. Slowly our minds shift from what is right and what makes us feel powerful. Binge eating or being an anorexic leaves a feeling of power because one is control of what enters and leaves their body. 

I honestly found the play to be heartbreaking. These sorts of things are happening in my school, to maybe people I know, and within my community. Within this society to people just like you and me. 

It is often forgotten that everyone is perfect in their own way. I strongly believe this. You do not need to look like a model or professional athlete to be attractive and wholesome. You're perfect. Everyone is. 

The one thing I pulled from the play was that we are our own worst enemy, but we do not have to let it be that way. Do not take food for granted. Appreciate the the things you are able to eat and dog abuse them. 

Eat to help your body. Eat to live a long, healthy, and happy life. 

And next time you look in the mirror, smile at how lovely you are. Don't let the world change your opinion on yourself.