Saturday, November 29, 2008

"I love you" challenge



Here is my challenge for the week.:

Look at yourself in the mirror and say "I love you." Say it out loud. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but trust me and try it for at least a week straight every day, even several times a day. Try to mean it, if you don't say it anyway and maybe by the end of the challenge you will mean it or be closer to not hating yourself.

Read the quote I have on my blog header now to begin your challenge.

Like always, I would love to hear your experiences.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Pressure to be Thin


I have a challenge for you, for an entire day keep track of the number of times you hear or see references to dieting. Count conversations, commercials, products you walk by in the store, TV shows and so on. I will do it too. You may be surprised to discover how much pressure there is for thinness coming at us from all sides every day. What a message this sends to our teenagers!


I'm anxious to hear your results.


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

FREE SHIPPING

For a Christmas Special I am offering FREE SHIPPING!! Just click on the "buy now" button on the right side of the blog to order. If you leave me a note with the name the book is for I can personalize your copy, other wise you will still get a signed copy, just not a personalized one.

I have had several people buying 5-6 copies to give to all their sister-in-laws, daughter-in-laws, friends etc. If you are ordering 4 or more contact me either by leaving your contact information on a comment or e-mail me at afuturefortomorrow@gmail.com for a special discount.

I was also touched by the generous actions of a Young Women's President. She is purchasing a copy for her entire young womens. What an inspiration she is in the efforts of reaching those who can benefit from the message in my book.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Weekend of Book Signings

My first book signing was at Confetti , Antiques, and Books in Spanish Fork. This is me with the owner Donny. He sells my book on his site (confettibooks.com), on amazon.com , and in his store.

I've been excited about my next book signing since I found out about it. I was honored to be there with some amazing authors. It was at Provident Book in Pleasant Grove. What a neat store! I recommend it to everyone. They have great toys, games, books, paintings, candy and more! I love how they want to get the community involved with act ivies presented by their store. Starting with the full day of author book signings yesterday and continuing with book clubs where authors come to discuss their books and more!

This is me with my friend and great author Tristi Pinkston (http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/)
I was excited to see her there. She has done a lot for me and I respect her greatly!



Friday, November 14, 2008

What You Can Do

I am often asked what someone can do to help an individual who they think has an eating disorder. Here are my thoughts and some information from National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).

"Parents, siblings and close friends play a significant role in guiding and supporting others. In many cases, individuals with eating disorders cannot recognize a need for help in themselves, and it takes a strong, caring individual to reach out.
If you are worried about your friend’s eating behaviors or attitudes, it is important to express your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is also necessary to discuss your worries early on, rather than waiting until your friend has endured many of the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders." -NEDA

I agreed that confronting your loved one is imperative. However, as a parent talking to their teen, I know first hand it may only led to fights and in my case running to my room in tears feeling that they didn't understand.
Parents still need to confront their teens no matter how confrontational. Here is a suggestion that I think is invaluable. My close friend Micaela, who is also a survivor of anorexia, said she thinks parents need to inform themselves about the disorder beforehand. Learn that the symptom of starving yourself is rooted in deeper issues and isn't a "phase" and it isn't as easy as "just eat."
Talk to your teen by telling them you understand that their behavior comes from a serious underlining problem that needs to be treated. Let them know you are not disappoint in them, that you have unconditional love for them and be honest about your fears.

There is power in numbers. After hearing concern from friends, relatives, siblings, and parents their combined "accusations" did make me realize there was a problem. But the disease was too powerful and addictive. It controlled me and I didn't know how to stop it. That is why it is important to get your loved one into treatment. A person can NOT beat this disease alone. 22% of anorexics die, that statistic drops to 2-3% if you get treatment.

Don't give up on them. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom. It took me literally feeling my body die and knowing my body was shutting down before I got help. Don't let your loved one reach this point. Tell them the disease will only get worse and they will never be happy with their appearance or number on the scale. I hated myself just as much or worse at 150 pounds as I did weighing 85. (I'm happy to report I no longer harbor any self-loathing thoughts)

Next, know there is HOPE! Your friend/child can overcome this disease and leave it behind forever. I have been completely recovered for over 11 years and have never fallen back. A happy full life is obtainable, it starts with you confronting your loved one and getting them professional help.

for more information:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/family-and-friends.php

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Are You at Risk?

Here is a test you can take to see if you are at risk for an eating disorder. You can also use this for a guide if you are concerned for a loved one. Just answer the questions the best you can based on your loved one's behaviors
http://www.anred.com/slf_tst.html

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Book Signings

I am doing a double book signing this Saturday, November 15th. I hope to see you there!

AM Book Signing
The first location is at Spanish Fork at the Confetti, Antiques, and Books on 275 N. Main Street from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

PM Book Signing
There's a new store opening in Pleasant Grove on Saturday, November 15th, called Provident Book/Humdinger Toys. It's located at 661 W. State, Pleasant Grove, UT (in the same strip mall as Timpanogos Cyclery). It's just north of the PG Rodeo/Fair Grounds. I'm going to be signing there at 6:00-7:00 pm and would love to see you.

To get there, if you're on I-15, take exit 275. Turn EAST toward Pleasant Grove. When you come to the stoplight at the intersection of Pleasant Grove Blvd and State St, turn RIGHT/SOUTH. The store will be on the RIGHT/WEST side of the street.

Here's an updated list of all the authors who will be there:

10:00 A.M.
Christy Hardman
Larry C. Porter

11:00 A.M.
H.B. Moore
Angela Hallstrom
Tristi Pinkston

12:00 P.M
Julie Coulter Bellon
Monte Shelley

1:00 P.M.
Terri Ferran
C.S. Bezas


2:00 P.M.
Jewel Adams
Herman DuToit

3:00 P.M.
Jennie Hansen
Doris Dant

4:00 P.M.
N.C. Allen
Gilbert W. Scharffs
K.L. Morgan

5:00 P.M
Candace Salima
Alan Cassidy

6:00 P.M.
Blair Tolman
Haley Hatch Freeman

7:00 P.M.
Monte Nyman
Brent L. Top

I'm excited to be apart of this amazing line-up!
To learn more about these authors and their books go to the link below: http://www.providentbook.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Interview by Nichole Giles

Writer Nichole Giles reviewed my book during my virtual book tour and she wanted to continue with my story by interviewing me and posting a blog about eating disorders. I am very touched by her extra effort to share my story and help reach those who may be suffering.
Her posting holds a lot of valuable information about eating disorders as well as my interview, view it by clicking on the link below. Thank you again Nichole!
http://nicholegiles.blogspot.com/2008/11/eating-disorders-cancerous-killers.html

Monday, November 3, 2008

My Favorite Reviews

Thank you to those who participated on my virtual book tour. The reviews are all in and the tour is over. I appreciated all the reviewer's insite and kind opinions of my book. These are my favorite reviews, the ones that touched me deeply.

http://queenoftheclan.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-future-for-tomorrow-by-haley.html

http://stayinalivewithstacy.blogspot.com/2008/10/future-for-tomorrow.html

http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review-future-for-tomorrow.html

I enjoyed all the reviews, to see them they will remain on the side of my blog.