One of the most empowering lessons I have been blessed to receive at this point in my life is my understanding that for most of my life I have not been able to live in the present moment. To be where my feet are, if you will.

When we are full of fear, we are either living in the past or living in the future. We are afraid of losing something we have or not getting something we want. So we are focused on anything other than being in this present moment, which is in fact the only place that we can affect change in our lives.

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.

Anyone who suffers with BED (Binge Eating Disorder) and reads the title of an article written by Sharon Kirkey of Canwest Publications, published today in several of their daily metro papers across the country, "Binge eating to become a bona fide entry in disorder bible" they, like me, will likely respond with "Well it's about time". Sharon interviewed me on a bit about my experience and included it in the article.

That is a very powerful statement and is worth repeating....  What other people think of you is none of your business.

According to the Binge Eating Disorder Association or BEDA (www.bedaonline.com), Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. "It affects more than eight million men and women and accounts for three times the number of those diagnosed with Anorexia and Bulimia together. "

This new staggering information only confirms the overwhelming need for greater support and assistance for those who are living with, and attempting to conquer, their eating disorder.