Michelle Kachin

My life hero is Rosita Ruiz.

Oh my!! Where do I begin? The person who inspires me the most, who has helped me overcome so much is Rosita Ruiz. She’s not only provided me the tools to be confident in who I am, but continues to push me out my comfort zones so I can continue to grow, and continue to believe in myself. I met Rosita while searching for vocal coaches online. We have built a strong lifelong connection of teacher, student, and friend. Before I met Rosita , I was in a sad dark place in my life. My life revolves around food. My life was an eating disorder. It controlled me. It nearly killed me! I suffered in silence for years. I couldn’t take it anymore. I reached out for help. That was the scariest day of my life. It was the start to a new life. A life of freedom from the disorder. While in treatment I found my love for music. I soon realized I needed music in my life to keep my mind free from the eating disorder. After treatment I found TakeLessons online. I signed up for group classes. I was mute for literally three months. Until the day Rosita called on me in class and offered to do every exercise step by step with me. That day was the beginning of a new friendship for me. It taught me to let go and really trust. Rosita continues to challenge my fears. She has never given up on me. She continues to show me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Nothing is holding me back. I am forever thankful for Rosita and everything she does for me. I can’t wait to visit her in April. She has stuck by my side for every battle I struggle with. She never stops helping. She’s gone above and beyond to make sure me and my son are ok at all times. I believe in angels. I believe that Rosita is a true living angel walking amongst our earth. If I ever have a off day , I listen to music. Rosita has helped me with many songs that touch my heart. Rosita also recently started teaching me piano. I’ve learned so much from Rosita. I’m happy to be alive enjoying music. For years I let the eating disorder consume me. I lived breathed slept in fear everyday. I never knew if I’d wake up the next day or be dead. I was always in pain. I was hurting silently. It’s tough when you grow up hearing negative messages from the people who are supposed to love you. I let the messages win. Calories in versus calories out. You are what you eat. You equal this many tubs of butter. It starts to become real life after so many years hearing these messages. I’m so thankful I had the courage to reach out for help when I did. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t reached out for help. Recovery was very hard. Recovery was so worth it. I’m Alive , free and living my dreams. Without treatment I don’t know where I’d be. Without treatment I would of never found my love of music. But most importantly, without treatment I would of never met Rosita. Rosita has changed my life. She has helped me overcome all my fears. Rosita will never let me fail. She will always push me to where she knows I’m able to be at. She has taught me to love myself for who I am no matter what anybody else thinks. I will will always look up to Rosita. I’m forever thankful she is my teacher. I’m linking my story of my eating disorder to this post. I want to help girls who are struggling. Remember it’s never too late to get help. Treatment saved my life and has made me the beautiful me I am today.