Why Lilly, those are overly kind words. Life is such a short one, I plan to live it to the maximum. No short changes allowed! haha

Honestly, I have experienced my share of turbulence in life with a dysfunctional family, low self-esteem, slimming drug abuse and eating disorders. Now at 21, I have decided enough is enough, I am putting my feet down and pursuing what I call "La Bella Vita" (the beautiful life), according to my standards, beliefs and ideals. So I may say each day I awake to the time I go to bed that "ben ozgur bir kadinim" (I am a free woman in Turkish). Like how the body and mind work co-dependently, the way I think will affect how my health is. The way I treat my body will affect the effectiveness my brain functions.So here I am, bathing in positive psychology, curiously seeking to discover myself more deeply, and fasting to heal my whole being.When one is well (mind, body and soul), one radiates a brilliant aura and that is my destination--for life.I hope you strive for that too, to live by means that purport your growth as a human being where you can be healthy, happy and free.

I realize my eating disorders are a result of my poor upbringing which led to my development of a low self-esteem during my early teens. Although there is not so much a problem in this department anymore, I am told by my therapist that I exhibit signs that show that I have some mild problems regulating my self-esteem. He is a wonderful doctor. He took an interest in my case when I was hospitalized for safety reasons (my family is a wreck) because he was concerned how my stability (concerning regulation of my self-esteem) would affect my medical studies and career. Right now, my eating disorders are no longer big issues but the shadow of them still hang over me; during stress, I still have thoughts of binge/purge or abusing laxatives.I ought to remember healing is a transition state and health is an ongoing process. When will i reach my goal? I may never know. But I know I can and I want to. And that is enough.

Yes, I am from Asia. My real name is Isabella. It is wonderful to see your reply. How the world shrinks with technology. I hope you are having a fantastic summer now. It should be lovely in Cali.

Lots of love.