For this series, “Writing Lines,” I referenced a punishment imposed on me during my childhood, which consists of copying a sentence exhaustively to reduce disruptive behavior. My parents believed that if you repeat something enough times, you will begin to believe it and change your behavior. 

            Growing up with emotional eating disorders and in a society where the diet and the beauty industries made me believe that my body wasn’t good enough, I gradually lost confidence in my appearance. 

            Reflecting on all the negative behaviours that I’ve had throughout my life towards food and body image, I decided to apply the same punishment on myself to bring this conversation to the table.

 

            Self-punishment, unfortunately, is a behaviour closely associated with eating disorders. Excessive eating is often followed by overwhelming guilt, leading to different types of self-punishment