STARVING
IN SEARCH OF ME
A Coming-of-Age Story
of Overcoming an Eating Disorder
and Finding Self-Acceptance
BY
MARISSA LAROCCA
Copyright © 2018 Marissa LaRocca
Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.
Cover Design: Marissa LaRocca and Morgane Leoni
Layout & Design: Morgane Leoni
Author Photo: Heather Leigh Cullum - http://www.heatherleighcullum.com/
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Starving in Search of Me: A Coming-of-Age Story of Overcoming an Eating Disorder and Finding Self-Acceptance
Library of Congress Cataloging
ISBN: (p) 978-1-63353-712-5, (e) 978-1-63353-713-2
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017916449
BISAC SEL014000 SELF-HELP / Eating Disorders & Body Image
Printed in the United States of America
To my former self, and to those currently struggling to find comfort in their bodies, in the world.
Table of Contents
PART 1: WHAT’S EATING THE WALLFLOWER
Chapter 1 WHY ARE YOU SO QUIET?
Early Struggles with Social Anxiety and Fitting In
Branching Out as an Individual
My Sister’s Encounter with Self-Harm
Chapter 2 MY QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS
Overwhelmed by the Limitless World
Beginning to Play with My Food
College, the Existential Quest
Chapter 3 MY SECRET BATTLE WITH FOOD
A Day in the Life of an Eating Disorder
Misinterpreting Eastern Philosophy
Chapter 4 THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Someone to Share the Fight With
PART 2: 10 LIFE TIPS TO HEAL You from Self-Harm
Chapter 5 REFLECT ON THE ROOT CAUSES OF YOUR BEHAVIOR
Chapter 6 STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM
Chapter 7 MAKE TIME TO MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR BODY
Chapter 8 SPEAK UP AND ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED
Chapter 9 TRUST YOUR INTUITION
Chapter 10 MAKE CHOICES THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
Chapter 11 SPEND YOUR ENERGY WISELY