“Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror” is officially the one and only book I have actually read this year so far. AND my first book review (yippy). Helena Grace Donald, is the Author of “Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror”. Originally from England (UK) and now based in Los Angeles. Helena is a young twenty something British Actress, whom also raises awareness through public speaking engagements, about eating disorders.
I promised to myself that I will try to read more this year. Because it’s all about balance right. Speaking of balance, Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror, truly is an inspiring book about a brutal and honest account, of Helena Grace Donald eating disorder as a teenager. For anyone going through the same battle or knows of someone who is then –
This is a Must Read!
Little Miss Critical
Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror, is the hope and bright light that anyone who is battling with an eating disorder needs. In this book Helena teaches young girls to have the courage to stand up against their inner “Little Miss Critical”. Which believe me, even as a grown adult, I can still sometimes face “Little Miss Critical” in any given situation. Helena, in time learnt about Little Miss Critical and how damaging she was to her life, and how important it was to tell her to pack her bags. But not before also writing Little Miss Critical a letter of thanks. For the other ways she tried to protect Helena, in her own unusual way. Helena also acknowledges, it wasn’t just Little Miss Critical doing the psychological damage, but the company of friends she kept. A quote from Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror –
“If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, don’t say it to yourself”
Perfection
Helena reminds us of the pressures, young teenage girls face to strive for perfection. Perfection for the Perfect grades, to socially fit in and to conform to be the perfect size (as an adult I’ve learnt there is no such thing). Helena also teaches us how brands market in a way they do, to get potential customers hooked, into thinking they need to look a certain way.
Ditch The Diet!
A quote from the book “teenage girls use unhealthy habbits to control their weight”. I loved this book. As It isn’t just relateable to young teenage girls, but for young women too. I love that Helena was able to find the love for food again. And teaches young girls about “what happens when we diet”, the joys of creating healthy smoothies. While teaching about healthy fats e.g Nuts (Walnut, Hazelnut, Brazil nuts), Avocados and Olives . Also my own personal favourites. As I’m Vegan, I understand the importance of eating right.
Another Quote from the book “Eat to Thrive, Not just Survive!”
Kindness, Positivity and Gratitude
Helena shares with us three kind words, that will see you through the rest of your life kindness, positivity and gratitude. Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror, shows us that with these three words we can really truly learn to love the body we’re in. A quote from the book “Lift your spirits and feel tons more optimistic everyday by simply changing the words you use”
A Happy Ending
Throughout the book, Helena shares inspirational quotes from female celebrities. Towards the end of “Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror”, Helena shares simple ways to appreciate your body everyday. These include a number of Helena personal favourite songs, to shake your booty too, here are just a few I share with Helena too –
- “Happy” by Pharell Williams
- “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Firework” by Katy Perry
- “Run The World” by Beyoncé
- “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
As well as sharing her favourite songs, Helena shares help lines and resources to help with eating disorders.
In all, I found Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror, very inspirational, brave, kind and helpful. Helena is very passionate and caring and this shows throughout the book. I would personally like to wish her all the best for the future.
Thank you so much, for making me apart of “Learning To Love The Girl In The Mirror” book tour / blog tour.
