#71: Taking Up Space & Managing Chronic Illness When Your Body Has Always Felt "Wrong"

This is the second episode in a series of episodes I plan on doing with current and former clients. The feedback from the first episode with Dory was so powerful, and I heard you loud and clear: You want to hear from more folks in the messy middle.  Today I speak with the wonderful Shelby, a client who was part of my group program last fall, a nd someone I care deeply about. We talk through her story, including what sparked body image concerns as a child, how food became fraught with anxiety and obsession, the impact of chronic illness on body dissatisfaction, how diet culture makes us feel like our bodies are broken, and how we can learn to stop hiding and instead decide to take up space in this world. Specific topics discussed: How body image is impacted by culture and lack of diversity Damaging diet culture messages during pregnancy Body changes postpartum How wellness culture preys on chronic illness The harm of body compliments Realizing it's not about health, it's about thinness How chronic illness impacts body image and embodiment Not letting your body hold you back from living your life Full Plate is listener-supported (no ads!) so please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes at Patreon.com/fullplate   Patreon is also home to the episode transcripts (which are publicly available to everyone, not just our patrons!). If you’re looking for those, head over to Patreon.    Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast  Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness More on Abbie's group coaching program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching