Welcome to I Chose To Live

I have played in many lacrosse games, where I have battled back to beat some of the fiercest opponents. Yet, little did I know, that the biggest battle of my life would take place off the playing field? Facing my past, confronting my demons and going head-to-head with my Eating Disorder have been the hardest challenges of my young life. How does one fight a war with both his mind and body? I have always been the go to player on the field but to face this disorder, I had to seek the help of those around me. I faced the “Enabling Dictator” by becoming the ultimate team player. My heart was my guide and my friends, family, therapist, and fellow teammates were my support. The only way to achieve victory is to openly ask for help!

The essence of team…..

“The coaching staff for your team is important, but coaches don’t win games, players do. This is so true in recovery as well. My greatest weapons for destroying my eating disorder were my teammates. Who were my teammates? They were those amazing souls I spent 30-some days in recovery with. (JM and CB) We came in as strangers connected only by our failures. Yet we left united, as friends and teammates in life. I was lucky to have two of the strongest teammates one could ever wish for. I took something from each of them everyday. One gave me faith and hope when I was ready to quit, and the other made me laugh when it seemed like I could only cry. I was a guy, and I found myself being saved by two strong females. This was an amazing feeling for me, and I will never forget them. When you are in recovery, other clients are your best resources for success. Recovering from an eating disorder is a team sport.”

--Patrick Bergstrom, Mastering Recovery: An Athletic Approach.

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