An Open Letter to My Residential Treatment Center
Dear Counseling, Nursing, Medical, Therapy, and Diet Staff,
Seven months ago, I left your facility after five weeks of treatment. Obviously, it wasn't great that I had to come in the first place, but it was the right move, and I am so grateful for the time that I spent at CFD and for all of the tips, tools, strategies, and resources that I learned and was able to bring home to continue my recovery. The help and support that you provided for me was instrumental in sparking a change.
I know that I could not have done this on my own; I needed your help. The amount of love and care that you poured into my life was absolutely incredible. I didn't know or realize how bad I actually was until I am now looking from the other side.
I'm not fully recovered. I left your facility and had to put in even more work once I returned home. I had to fight for adequate breaks at my job, advocate for myself at appointments, use strategies that you taught me, follow a meal plan until I was ready to move off of it, and try many new things. I put in the effort, even when it wasn't easy or pretty. I had to power through many moments, but thankfully, because of the tools that I learned in your care, it went smoother than it would have gone otherwise.
I've worked on asserting myself, breaking down emotional barriers, and enjoying myself more. I have had plenty of successes around food since coming home, including ordering what I want at restaurants, not giving into ED as much, picking something out at the grocery store without reading the label, and actually eating food that others prepared. Freedom, even in its limited form, is amazing.
I want to say a sincere "thank you" to so many people who have helped me along the way. Not only were you all supportive of me during my time at CFDTO, but some of you have continued to encourage me along my journey at home. I know that many of you can not be in contact with me until 2021 due to your staffing contracts and agreements, but I want you to know that you have greatly impacted me and that what you do matters. You all work hard to put heart into caring for your clients and it shows. The times that we were silly, human, and regular people are so special to me.
Heather, your goofy talks about the houses you bought for your dogs and your adorable slang crack me up and I continue to smile when I think of them.
Katya: you are an absolutely amazing, beautiful, wonderful light of sunshine. I am incredibly grateful to have you in my life and on my team. You are a blessing and you have influenced me more than you know.
Diana, thank you for your heart.
Kell- Man, you are amazing. Your help, truth, and courage are astounding. Thank you for your continued bits of support and education.
Leticia and Chelsie- Words can't begin to describe my gratitude for you. I am extremely thankful for having people like you and Katya who love the Lord be on part of the treatment team. Our games of HeadsUp, our walks, or time sitting in the sun, the metaphors, lessons, it all boils down to how much you love, and I am eternally grateful.
Alexa, from my first full day, you were someone that I trusted. You helped me process a group and then spent some weekend time with me. It is so obvious how much you care about us clients. I am incredibly proud of you for pursuing your dreams and wish you so much luck in the future.
Mo- I love how you took us under your wings, made us know how precious we are, and how you were willing to be open and vulnerable.
AshBenz! You are a joy and so fun to be around. Thank you for your laughter, smiles, and sensitivity.
I know that you all will continue to make a difference, whether you work at CFDTO or not. You are an incredible group of people and my heart is full of joy and gratitude when I remember you. Thank you for all that you do and how you make impacts in my life and in others.
Much love,
Als
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.
Seven months ago, I left your facility after five weeks of treatment. Obviously, it wasn't great that I had to come in the first place, but it was the right move, and I am so grateful for the time that I spent at CFD and for all of the tips, tools, strategies, and resources that I learned and was able to bring home to continue my recovery. The help and support that you provided for me was instrumental in sparking a change.
I know that I could not have done this on my own; I needed your help. The amount of love and care that you poured into my life was absolutely incredible. I didn't know or realize how bad I actually was until I am now looking from the other side.
I'm not fully recovered. I left your facility and had to put in even more work once I returned home. I had to fight for adequate breaks at my job, advocate for myself at appointments, use strategies that you taught me, follow a meal plan until I was ready to move off of it, and try many new things. I put in the effort, even when it wasn't easy or pretty. I had to power through many moments, but thankfully, because of the tools that I learned in your care, it went smoother than it would have gone otherwise.
I've worked on asserting myself, breaking down emotional barriers, and enjoying myself more. I have had plenty of successes around food since coming home, including ordering what I want at restaurants, not giving into ED as much, picking something out at the grocery store without reading the label, and actually eating food that others prepared. Freedom, even in its limited form, is amazing.
I want to say a sincere "thank you" to so many people who have helped me along the way. Not only were you all supportive of me during my time at CFDTO, but some of you have continued to encourage me along my journey at home. I know that many of you can not be in contact with me until 2021 due to your staffing contracts and agreements, but I want you to know that you have greatly impacted me and that what you do matters. You all work hard to put heart into caring for your clients and it shows. The times that we were silly, human, and regular people are so special to me.
Heather, your goofy talks about the houses you bought for your dogs and your adorable slang crack me up and I continue to smile when I think of them.
Katya: you are an absolutely amazing, beautiful, wonderful light of sunshine. I am incredibly grateful to have you in my life and on my team. You are a blessing and you have influenced me more than you know.
Diana, thank you for your heart.
Kell- Man, you are amazing. Your help, truth, and courage are astounding. Thank you for your continued bits of support and education.
Leticia and Chelsie- Words can't begin to describe my gratitude for you. I am extremely thankful for having people like you and Katya who love the Lord be on part of the treatment team. Our games of HeadsUp, our walks, or time sitting in the sun, the metaphors, lessons, it all boils down to how much you love, and I am eternally grateful.
Alexa, from my first full day, you were someone that I trusted. You helped me process a group and then spent some weekend time with me. It is so obvious how much you care about us clients. I am incredibly proud of you for pursuing your dreams and wish you so much luck in the future.
Mo- I love how you took us under your wings, made us know how precious we are, and how you were willing to be open and vulnerable.
AshBenz! You are a joy and so fun to be around. Thank you for your laughter, smiles, and sensitivity.
I know that you all will continue to make a difference, whether you work at CFDTO or not. You are an incredible group of people and my heart is full of joy and gratitude when I remember you. Thank you for all that you do and how you make impacts in my life and in others.
Much love,
Als
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.
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