Recovery

     Recovery is hard. In fact, it is downright difficult. I wanted to share some things that recovery has entailed for me, and if you have others that you want to add, please feel free to share as long as triggers are left out. Here we go:

• Recovery has meant giving up Ed's ways and rules
• Recovery has meant a loss of the former habits and former "normal"
• Recovery is day-to-day 
• Recovery is not easy and can involve regressions
• Recovery has a goal of learning to trust your body, but this does not happen right away
• Recovery involves creating a team who can support you
• It likely involves crying at some point
• There are moments of joy
• You hopefully feel empowered
• Challenges can be scary, or they may be tackled simply
• Recovery means getting back up from a challenge (or just everyday life) when Ed knocks you down
• Recovery sometimes means eating when you don't want to
• Recovery means eating despite your Ed voice
• You need help from others
• Sometimes, you have to stop all other activities in order to recover
• Recovery should be a priority
• Recovery does not look the same for different people
• Recovery may mean getting your period back if you have lost it
• It may or may not mean a certain weight, BMI, or other medical figures
• Recovery means asking for help
• Recovery means you are choosing to not let Ed win
• Recovery means you are strong enough and have the desire to get better
• Recovery means reading
• Recovery means speaking the truth
• Recovery involves a lot of questions
• Other people will not understand your recovery, accept it
• Recovery may make you feel sick
• Recovery is dissolving ties to Ed for the wrongful ideas he has placed upon you
• Recovery involves redemption
• It is about a life of freedom and non-judgement
• Recovery is acknowledging that you deserve better and can reach that
• Recovery is honoring your right to your body
• Recovery is about rediscovering things for enjoyment
• Recovery is about connecting with yourself and people
• Recovery is about getting rid of unhealthy and unrealistic expectations
• Recovery is choosing to live life fully, abundantly, and without the burden of Ed,

     but most of all,

• It is a daily battle to fight, learn, and listen to what God has in store for the best course of action

     I hope this gives you a glimpse into recovery. It is not all bad, but it is a challenge. The important piece is to keep moving forward. Some days are better than others and some steps are different sizes, but any progress, I repeat, any progress is better than no progress, my friends.

     Happy trails on your own road to recovery.

I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.

I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.