Transformation Tuesday with Brittany Burgunder
Transformation is about more than just changing your body shape and fitness levels. It’s about changing your mindset too – with more focus on positivity, you can chase your own goals and achieve some very cool things. Brittany has a really brave story to share today. I’m really proud that she sees the DaniStevens.com community as such a safe place to tell us all about her journey.
Growing up, Brittany was bullied and teased a lot and says that she never had any close friends. Even though she was a talented athlete and good student, her self-esteem was non-existent. Then, when she was 13, she fell victim to anorexia and exercise addiction.
Brittany spent the next seven years in and out of treatment centres, swinging from anorexia to obesity and bulimia – and, now that she has completely turned her life around with great health and a positive energy, she’s telling her story to help others.
“I have good friends and I'm learning to love who I am, flaws and all. I am back playing tennis, riding horses and learning to enjoy life in a new way,” she says. “I have written a memoir titled, Safety In Numbers: From 56 to 221 Pounds, My Battle with Eating Disorders, for which I'm currently seeking publication.”
How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
Growing up I was bullied and teased a lot and never had any close friends. I was a talented athlete and good student, but my self-esteem was non-existent. When I was 13 I fell victim to anorexia and exercise addiction.
The next 7 years I spent in and out of treatment centers and hospitals only to have doctors and therapists come to the same conclusion. "She's hopeless. We've never seen such a tragic case." In 2009, I became so sick that the university asked me to leave during my freshman year of college and I wasn't allowed to return until I achieved certain health requirements. So began my next 6 months in a hospital on the brink of death. I lost all my hair, had to relearn how to walk, couldn't think or recognize people, faced liver failure and was given almost no chance to survive.
Fast forward only a little over 1 year later and I became obese. After surviving what seemed to be impossible, I began binge eating frantically everyday. I was in shock. I stared at a stranger in the mirror everyday, was embarrassed to leave my house and didn't want to live anymore. Bulimia later followed.
It took many difficult years of patience, hard work and a little hope, but I have now completely turned my life around. I'm healthy, I'm happy, I have good friends and I'm learning to love who I am, flaws and all. I am back playing tennis, riding horses and learning to enjoy life in a new way
I have written a memoir titled, Safety In Numbers: From 56 to 221 Pounds, My Battle with Eating Disorders, for which I'm currently seeking publication. @safetyinnumbers1 I also have a website and blog you can visit at www.brittanyburgunder.com or by clicking the link on my profile.
Please know you are never alone; there are good people out there and you can build a wonderful life no matter how many odds are stacked against you
Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
I am a competitive tennis player and horseback rider.
What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
I love helping people more than anything else! I also love to write and am seeking publication for my first memoir Safety In Numbers. I also love nature, laughing, animals and being with good people
What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
After so many years of struggling with many forms of an eating disorder I had finally had enough. Recovery is a slow process, but I've learned to channel my perseverance and fight towards positive things.
What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
I would really love to find a publishing company for my book as well as do some interviews. I'm ready looking forward to enjoying this year and see what opportunities may arise.
What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
Patience! Compassion! And never give up no many how times you fall in your face. If you believe in yourself and continue to take any steps towards a better you, your life will change in ways you one thought impossible.
List your social media if you would like people to follow you
Instagram: @brittanyburgunder @safetyinnumbers1
Website & blog: brittanyburgunder.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/impossibleanememoir
Twitter: @brittburgunder
Thanks so much Brittany! It’s amazing to hear so many real, inspirational stories on this page and I hope you take some of that motivation to your own life.
XxDani