To My Family and Friends--

Thank you to all who have stood beside me these past 4 years.

As most everyone now knows, for the past few years I have been fighting a battle with both my mind and body. Yes, I suffered from anorexia nervosa and it has made me who I am today. God works in mysterious ways, and I have now found my passion in life. "I Chose To Live"
My mission now is to speak out about eating disorders, self image and educate everyone. Many people may judge me on this journey but my faith in God and the support of my family and friends are my strength. Thank you so much Mom, Dad, Ryan, Erin, and Melissa. You guys got me through the toughest battle of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and have been blessed with an amazing family!


Matt, Troy, Billy, Sam, Kevin and to all my friends--


Thank you for standing beside me when most chose to run. You guys helped save my life and you keep me moving forward. I greatly appreciate all the support I have received and I am so blessed to have such strong and real friends.


Jen and Clare--


Thank you for getting me through treatment and opening my eyes to love, life, and faith in God. You both played a major part in transforming me back to the real Patty. I consider you both as sisters, and I will never forget either of you. Stay strong and I am always here for you both. You are both part of the reason I am reaching out to help others. You are two awesome souls.
My recovery will not be perfect but I know the support of my family and friends will keep me moving forward into the light of greatness. I would not be here today, honestly, if it wasn't for each and everyone of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and I will continue to fight this and will have a full recovery. I am so honored to know all of you. God Bless and stay strong.

To High Rock Studios www.highrockstudios.com

Thank you for doing a fantastic job in creating my website. You and your staff have made it possible for me to reach so many people. Thank you also for supporting I Chose To Live. I couldn't have accomplished what I have without your assistance.

For Love, Life, and Liberty!
Love,
Patty
Get It Done



May my life here on earth give great glory to Gods Kingdom!



This scripture was sent to me in treatment by my little sister and it opened my eyes and gave me great strength and hope! Thank you Erin! This was also read under the Great Oak Trees by Jen on our last Sunday at Canopy Cove....



-- Jeremiah 29:11



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."



This is so true, everything happens for a reason and great things occur in Gods time, and sometimes his timing just doesn't match up with when we want things to happen. Be patient, face your struggles head on and ask God for direction. He will deliver you from darkness and your future will prosper. For 4-years I struggled and failed backwards, and I almost lost my life. God came to me and delivered me to Canopy Cove, and it changed my life. I have been given a second chance in life and want to spread the love of God to others. To be at peace with yourself and God is the ultimate accomplishment.



I am not even close to being perfect, and I make mistakes on a daily basis. Yet my faith in God allows me to continue down the path to great glory, and yes all that glory goes straight to God.



I am so thankful for the life that I now have and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I have a loving family, true friends that stand by me always, and I now have a real purpose in life. I chose to live and I choose to care about you.

Support Group

Patrick is running an Eating Disorder Support Group every Tuesday at Transitions LLC on Broadway St in Hagerstown, MD from 7pm-9pm.

This is an open group for those fighting, recovering or supporting the Eating Disorder Cause. This is a positive group with the ultimate goal of helping others recover life without ED. The group is small at the moment but it will only grow with time. We are here to help, and understand this isolating disorder. You are not alone in this! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Patrick at patrickb@ichosetolive.com

Fight the Stigma! Be a Voice! Choose to Live!

One of the best books I have read on Eating Disorders is "Life Without ED by Jenni Schaefer. Jenni is a true inspiration, and I am honored to have read her book. One great quote "do the next right thing." If you fall down, get back up....Fail Forward! Believe! Get it Done!

I Chose To Live stands for Love, Life, and Liberty!

Eating Disorder Support

I chose to live

Yet walk the line

Trying to move forward

Some how, always stepping back

I want to be free today

And forget about the days past

I fell into relapse...



Three days past

Running from something

Hiding from everything

My mind gone, body to isolation

Lost to all

but forgotten by nobody



I made the call

A friend to answer

A voice to be heard

A habit to break

A personality to recover

A new life to live



For 3 days I went into my ED and it was a nightmare, I became the monster I so fear that runs from everything. I am new in recovery and feel so strong, yet I was broken and blind sided by my ED! A friend from my support group came over twice and knocked some sense into me. We just have to know that hiding and retreating is not the answer. We are never alone though I know how lonely it feels at periods of the day. Call somebody, just don't hide! Thought I would share this as my first blog as I am not perfect! We are all in this together. I chose to live is a process of starting over and failing forward rather than regressing backwards. Life is a beautiful thing, cherish it and share it with others. Pick up the phone or send an email and reach out. I am strong but would love the support of so many others. God bless and keep the fight, relapse is a stepping stone to a stronger foundation for recovery! Live and Learn!



I Chose To Live for Love, Life and Liberty!!