I love my job! This week, I’m writing a newsletter article about eating disorders awareness. Next week, I’m driving to a high school to observe my supervisor as she presents a program about mental health disorders to students. The idea behind the program is to de-stigmatize mental illnesses.
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We teach students that by labeling individuals with mental health disorders as “crazy” or “psycho,” we’re not only being cruel, but we’re also not giving ourselves the opportunity to discover that these individuals may also be described as “artistic,” “intelligent” or “funny,” for example.
I certainly didn’t enjoy being known as having an “eating disorder,” which is why I often tried to hide it. I wanted people to know the real me. When people discovered I had an eating disorder, they acted differently around me or they tried to “help” me, often in controlling and hurtful ways. I simply wanted others to: A — listen, B — let me be me, and C — suggest ways I might help myself without forcing those ideas upon me. In a nutshell, individuals with any kind of disorder want to be respected, loved and listened to, just like anybody else!
I’m getting used to this early morning schedule, and it’s actually not as bad as I thought it would be. As long as I get at least 7.5 hours of sleep, I’m good to go! Did you know the average adult needs 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night? I’m also working on a sleep deprivation educational program, so I’m saturated with sleep statistics.
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In addition to getting a good night’s sleep, I need to have my lunch packed and ready! I prefer lunches that are quick, easy and portable . . . and of course healthy and tasty! Here’s yesterday’s quick meal:
Portable Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. In the meantime, stir-fry some sliced mushrooms and mixed lettuce in canola oil spray. Combine the veggies with the drained pasta, a handful of halved cherry or grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup black beans, and light Italian dressing, and you’ve made lunch!
Yum, this was awesome! I hope you’re Thursday finds you well rested and eating deliciously!
Filed under: Eating Disorders, Quick Meals | Tagged: eating disorder, pasta, sleep
Pasta lunches are one of my favorite portable lunches, exactly like that too! I haven’t had it in awhile though.
Sounds like the job is the perfect fit for you. And that pasta with all the veggies looks great. I had something similar for dinner the other night.
I’m SO HAPPY for you about your new job! Honestly, it sounds like a dream. All of your plans for articles and topics are just so interesting. Hopefully you’ll post some? That is, if you’re allowed to.
7-9 hours of sleep is typically what I get, as my job allows me to sleep in (one perk about working from home!). Although I’m usually up by 7:30am because too much sleep is as bad for me as too little.