OPED Blog (Optimizing Psychology for Eating Disorders) By Sandra Wartski, Psy.D., CEDS
White Eggs & Jam: ED I Am
(Based on the Dr. Seuss book entitled Green Eggs and Ham)
Do you like white eggs & jam?
Shall we try a sandwich with cheese or ham?
What about just one small bite
It might taste good, it might taste right
I do not like them, ED-I-Am.
I do not like white eggs & jam.
I would not like them here or there.
I would not like anything anywhere.
Can you try them just a little?
Can we try them while you fiddle?
I know you might worry about what you eat
Whether carbs or fat or any type of meat
I do not like them, ED-I-Am
I do not like white eggs & jam.
I do not like chips or cookies or cake
I do not like anything you buy or bake
I know it’s really oh so tough
And approaching food is really so rough
But since it’s something we really need multiple times each day
I wonder if we might consider a way to foray?
I’m scared! It’s too hard! I can’t!
If you push me, I will rant!
I’ve been worrying worrying for oh so long
Eating regularly just feels so wrong
I see you – ED you are
But ED you really have gone too far
You’ve reduced your energy, spunk and overall life
Causing irritability, conflict and strife
I really am unhappy, as you say
And really so hard to get through the day
I just worry what will happen next
I just really don’t know what to expect
Let’s brainstorm ways of adding in some eating throughout the day
It’s hard and scary – but it really is the only way
We need fueling energy for your body and brain
Let’s find a different way of reducing the pain
I don’t want to eat in the kitchen or dining room
I don’t want to eat with you live or on Zoom
I would not like it with pepper or salt
I don’t like this eating assault
I hear you, ED-I-Am, and I want to know more
Can we explore what’s at the core?
Could we talk more about what is going on inside?
I’m guessing there are worries and fears – will you confide?
I cannot, will not, please just let me be
ED-I-Am! I want to just be me!
I eat enough and it’s just fine
And if I eat more, I might misalign
You may not want white eggs or jam,
You have some choice, ED-I-Am
But let’s find something with which to start
Let’s talk flavors, preferences – let’s make a chart
I used to like more things, that is true
But now everything is askew
There are reasons I hesitate to enjoy more food
I think I have to be careful and very shrewd
You have your own concerns and limits, as you say.
Can we take a baby step to try them for a day?
I think that we can find a way
Let’s keep trying to make it OK.
Say! I do like white eggs and jam!
I do! I like them, ED-I-Am!
But I am nervous and oh so scared
Not sure I can keep going with what I have dared
Let’s keep talking, let’s go slow,
I’m guessing there might be more about yourself you want to know
We can explore more about assumptions, habits and needs
Let’s sort out the core values from the toxic weeds
I am scared but also do wonder
What exactly had gone asunder
I see that this really keeps me stuck
And leads to my life running amuck
It’s been a while now doing the work,
I see many of the old habits no longer lurk
I see you, ED-you-were
You have worked so hard on recovery and cure
The fear sure did run super deep
I am so glad I took the leap
This took a bit longer than I thought
And this healing sure was hard fought
So proud of how far you have come
And so pleased with all you have become
You have finally found the key
To now finally living fully free
And I see that it really was so much more
With fears and functions at the core.
I can live! And I am free!
I can finally just be me!