Lucie's Story - Overcoming hatred with love
"There I sat, age 14, and my life was already falling apart."
There I sat, age 14, and my life was already falling apart. Not only had I been diagnosed with anorexia, but I was also becoming an angry, depressed, cruel person. I didn't want to show love, nor did I want to show gratitude to anyone, not even myself. I began to push my loved ones away. My overwhelming sadness would turn to hatred, and I started to torment not only others but also myself. Looking down on others became a daily occurrence, ingrained in my mind.
As expected, by my 15th birthday, I was entirely alone—no friends, no support. In my solitude, I found myself reminiscing about my past friendships, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace. "What is this feeling?" I asked myself. "Why do I feel peace when remembering my depressing past?" This feeling was not a result of my reminiscence but of my newfound gratitude for those who supported me, even as I tore them down.
As the months passed, I used gratitude to help heal my anorexia. Within three months of practicing gratitude, I had made more progress in my recovery than I had in the previous three years. Becoming more grateful for the things I once took for granted changed my outlook on life and others. I no longer wanted to bully or torment anyone. I love people, I love the earth, and I love myself.
Downloading the Gratitude app only further helped me on my journey. Having a way to look back on the things I am thankful for ensures I never forget what has been. Here I am now, almost 16 years old. I am fully recovered from anorexia. I have many friends who I cherish and care about, I volunteer with the needy, and I love all. Hatred can and will always be healed by love.
