Renewed Intern: Helen Hardy

“My Renewed Summer” (By: Helen Hardy)

Renewed:

To give fresh life or strength to (google dictionary). To revive, to recover, to begin again (dictionary.com). To restore to freshness or vigor; to become new or as new (merriam-webster.com).

The above definitions almost perfectly match what I think of when I reflect on all that Renewed does for those affected by eating disorders in the community! For the past two months, I have had the opportunity to intern with Renewed and have learned all about the incredible ways they work to give fresh life and strength to those hurting in the community.

This summer I have experienced many of the programs and resources that Renewed has to offer. In early June, I participated in the Body Project training which opened my eyes to how brainwashed our minds have been by the media we absorb. The Body Project taught me to identify underlying messages in the media that are contributing to my own negative body image. I learned how to respond to negative body comments by friends and family members. I also learned that some of my own words were helping to fuel negative body image thoughts to both myself and those around me. This eye opening experience has shifted my mindset in discussions around food and body and exposed the ways media is contributing to these things. My university now offers Body Project programs and I am excited to return to school and help lead these discussions!

I have also had the opportunity to sit in on multiple support groups that Renewed offers, as well as experience PaintED, HarmonizED, and JournalED (coming soon!). Although I have never had an eating disorder myself, these experiences helped me feel more confident and comfortable in who God has made me to be. I also learned how to be a better friend and supporter to those whom I care about that are facing an eating disorder.

I hope to be a dietician one day who can help those struggling with an eating disorder and body image concerns. I have learned from so many wonderful clinicians within Renewed’s network this summer and I hope that one day I can be a part of someone else’s journey of healing in the ways they are.

It has been a privilege to work alongside the wonderful staff at Renewed! The big, hard-working hearts of my co-workers are what drive the mission of Renewed to touch so many in the community. I am so grateful for their leadership and their compassion in helping others to feel renewed.

Renewed has also helped me to feel like I have been given fresh life and strength. This organization is rooted in resilience, courage, and hope and that same spirit is contagious to all who come in contact with Renewed. If you are awaiting an experience of feeling freedom from your eating disorder, this organization warmly invites you to take a step towards beginning again. Renewed helps to connect you to resources that will recover, restore, and revive who you were made to be. Renewed is here to walk alongside you in your journey of being made new.

About the Author

Helen is a senior at Furman University studying Health Science and Religion. After she graduates, she hopes to become a registered dietician and help all types of people develop positive body images and a healthy relationship with food. Helen enjoys working with high-school girls and would also love to be involved with a Christian ministry guiding young women who are facing these challenges. In her free time, Helen loves to hike, run, read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.