In order to change the outside, people must get to know themselves better. Most women, Willingham thinks, can trace their trauma over weight problems to between the ages of 10 and 16. That's when they're told by their mothers or fathers that they're getting fat. Weight problems, she believes, are inside work. Part of doing inside work is keeping a journal.
Writing is a form of therapy.
When you are healing from a dysfunction with food, journaling is a great avenue for insights and self realization. Willingham, who now lives in Sonoma County, makes a living as an eating coach. She turned a barn on her property into a women's healing center. If I can raise a daughter who eats when she's hungry rather than another girl who hates her body, I've succeeded.