Dear Readers, 

Hello and welcome to Sheena’s Shared Stories, an online extension of the Sheena’s Place community. What makes this space unique is that all posts follow the guidelines for language as designed by Sheena’s Place. This creates a safe space to read and share, with the knowledge that there is a focus on minimizing triggering words and content.

My name is Kira McCarthy and I am your blog moderator. As the moderator, my goal is to make visitors feel safe to be part of a supportive on-line community.  I encourage you to engage in the posts by submitting your thoughts and reactions which will be posted, creating an open online dialogue about the struggles, emotions, and other experiences that we have in common; the things that make us feel alone, and the things that make us feel connected. Eating Disorders are isolating and one of the first things you discover when you enter Sheena’s Place space is that you are, in fact, not alone. If you are unable to access support in person, or the idea of walking through the door provokes anxiety, this is a space to begin your journey.

I am a Toronto-based Writer, Special Education Teacher, Artist, and Advocate. My work explores my passion for body politics, especially body image, body shame, body language, and self-acceptance. My goal is to fiercely explore experiences of eating disorders, body-shaming, and the pathologizing of body-size. My own struggles with ED, my love of writing, my passion for advocacy, and my dedication to ending stigma and misinformation about Eating Disorders is what drives my passion to be a part of this blog community.

All submissions are considered and offered guidance to stay within Sheena’s Place safe space guidelines. I am humbled and honoured to have received so many honest, raw, and vulnerable pieces. Your ability to share continues to amaze me. Thank you for entrusting me with your stories.

Welcome to our community. I hope you will continue to visit this page. 

Take good care of yourself, and remember to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Your blog moderator,

Kira