Beach tips suggested by the Body Acceptance Group:

- Really see all the different shapes and sizes of people. Don't be unfair and only notice people you think look better than you. See that your size is part of a continuum and there is beauty at ever shape and size.

- Notice that others seem to really enjoy themselves regardless of appearance.

- Look around and see that people are not just staring at each other. They are having fun... playing, swimming, laughing. Join them. There is no audience you must please.

- Assert your needs with the people you are with. Get support to stay out of your head.

- Leave E.D. at home...he wasn't invited today. If he shows up, send him away.

- There is no beauty contest today and they will not be awarding tiaras. If you start comparing or competing, knock it off. The prize today is being at the beach. Everyone there wins.

- Function not form, function not form, function not form. Celebrate what your body can do.

- Play with some children. Play like a child.

- Lose your mind and come to your senses. Feel, smell, move, listen, see, taste. Be here now, think someother time.

- Dr. Kilmer

Recovery involves being uncomfortable. Are you willing to tolerate some discomfort to have the life you want, the life where you have true freedom and choice? It is dangerous and untrue when your mind says, "I can't stand to feel...X" or "I can't handle...Y". The truth is that you can tolerate any emotion or sensation involved in recovery. When your mind tells you that you cannot stand ...fullness, weight gain, sadness, losing control...then your only option seems to be to medicate or take desperate measures to escape. That is not necessary. Think of all the difficult things you have tolerated in your life. You can handle discomfort. You can learn new skills and ways to cope. You can recover.

Dr. Rick Kilmer, Cognitive Therapy Group