Joining Soul Sisters United was a revelation. I had been looking for ages for a community where I could share and discuss my relationship with food and my body image without having to subscribe to any particular program. There is so much on offer! At my first Soul Circle, the sense of safety and connection I felt was both empowering and a huge relief. I was welcomed with open arms and was able to share my feelings without any judgement. It was empowering to be heard and accepted, just as I was. Being in a group where others share similar struggles with food has been deeply healing.

I feel this is my place to be, where I can share who I am and voice out my struggles without being judged. A place where I can listen to and learn from the experiences of other women who, like me, are trying to build a better relationship with food. Sharing this space and my own experience with these women inspires me to stay on the road, to take care of my beautiful self in all the ways I need to do it: Mind, Body and Spirit. Each one of us may come from different places on this earth, and yet, we all share the same need to connect in a safe, warm experience. This is what I feel in the Soul Sisters United community.

It is a community without a strict plan to follow. I can talk about what is going on without being judged. Since there is no plan to follow, there is no diet to break, and I can continue to participate, which is nice. I have attended some “Soul Circle” events, where we take turns talking about our challenges. Everyone is nice and supportive. Since I joined it is easier for me to eat in moderation and not overeat on unhealthy foods as much. With other groups, there were restrictions on what a person could say, and it was not always easy to speak out because I was afraid of saying the wrong thing.

The first 30 days that I was active in the Soul Sisters United I began the 13 week series "F@RK This!", a live workshop with about 9 other women designed to help us understand common eating patterns and triggers to those patterns. It has been very helpful to hear other people's perspectives, as it raises my awareness to aspects of my own reactions and attitudes toward food that I was previously not thinking much about. Especially helpful is understanding the triggers that cause me to eat when I am really not hungry. I think this is an important missing piece of the puzzle in following my personal eating plan to reach my goals and then maintain those goals. By attending a live soul circle meeting, I learned a useful tool called RAIN to help me process through my emotions before those emotions trigger me to eat mindlessly. The one hour time was a practical application of the tool guided by the moderator, but there was also written information for that same tool on the site itself which was helpful for review and deeper understanding.

It feels very good to be a part of this growing community. It’s a really unusual space—in that it isn’t espousing a particular diet, or preaching a mindset—rather it’s a very safe, warm and welcoming group where members are encouraged to share what’s on their hearts and minds. In a society filled with “perfect” bodies and lives on Facebook and Instgram, this community gives an opportunity for women to be real; to be seen, heard and understood. This type of connection is a vital part of healing. My role here is both as moderator and participant. Hearing others’ stories and writing about my own has increased my understanding of this complex issue. I’ve felt safe to share details of my food journey that I’ve never shared elsewhere. It feels cathartic and healing.

Welcome Home. That is how I would describe being a part of Soul Sisters United. These are my people! My time as a member in this community has brought many "awareness"es, ah-ha moments, and a true sense of community. Being able to talk and share with other women who struggle with this type of addiction, has been life changing. I am not able to talk about my struggle with food with my 6' ft best friend who does not have the same struggles, or my daughter who is naturally an intuitive eater. Being here has led me to meet wonderful people who are on a journey of wondering why, what, where, when and how this journey will play out. Through workshops, live intention sessions, book club and connection I have become more curious about myself, habits and reasons.