Happy Easter Holidays!

Happy Easter Holiday!

It’s Easter weekend, and I thought it would be a good time to write a blog post, as I’ve had a few things on my mind heading into the bank holiday. Here in the U.K., we have a long weekend, with Good Friday and Easter Monday being national days of celebration. Not everyone is off work, though, I was just at Tesco and it was very busy, with staff keeping everything running as usual.

Unusually this year, it seems many of the major religions are celebrating around the same time. We’ve recently had Eid, marking the end of Ramadan. Jewish Passover is being observed, along with the Hindu celebration of Hanuman Jayanti, and of course Easter. Sikhs and Buddhists also have celebrations throughout April.

It seems that no matter which faith you follow, there is something to be marking or honouring during March and April this year. And with celebrations come expectations, traditions, customs, and of course, food is always wrapped up in it all. Whether that’s through abstaining, indulging in celebratory meals, or enjoying special treats.

My thoughts are with anyone who may be struggling around food. If you have an eating disorder, food doesn’t add to the celebration, and it isn’t exciting or fun. It can be a source of intense dread and fear. There’s the pressure to eat in a way that isn’t your usual routine, the not-knowing what someone will be cooking for you when you arrive for a sit‑down meal, the buffet at a party with the temptation to overeat and the predictable regret and shame that can follow. The “fear foods” you’ve secretly been craving, suddenly being handed out to everyone.

There’s also the coming together with friends and family you may not see often, which can be difficult if you have body image concerns. That person - you know the one - who will comment on what you’re eating, or on your body or weight. Even well‑intended remarks like “You look well!” can leave someone with an eating disorder feeling scrutinised and hyperaware of their body in a way that is unhelpful, especially just as you sit down to eat.

And then there are the people who may be dreading the celebrations for entirely different reasons: loneliness, grief, ill health, or simply the disruption to routine that throws everything off balance. The pressure to perform “happiness” when you’re not feeling that way, or when you don’t have anyone to share the time with due to isolation or family estrangement. The cost‑of‑living pressures affecting us all can also cast a shadow.

I suppose I’m writing for anyone who sees themselves in any of the above. I want to say: I see you. You matter. And none of this is your fault. It may feel as though the rest of the world is celebrating and having fun while you’re left feeling misunderstood or on the outside looking in. Here, in this little corner of the internet, I hold a place for you.

If you’re craving support, clarity, or simply a place where you don’t have to pretend everything is fine, you’re welcome to reach out and begin that conversation with me.