Dr. Julie’s Meaningful Morsel … What is FULL recovery?
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February is National Eating Disorders Awareness month, a topic which is very close to this eating disorder specialist’s heart!
For my readers who are engaged in this painstakingly complex journey called “recovery,” I commend you. For you are truly the BRAVEST of spirits!
Keep fighting, keep believing and keep working toward the goal of FULL recovery. For while the process is horrendous and the battle seemingly endless, FULL recovery IS possible!
And life IS beautiful as a result of embracing the battle, and coming out the other side.
I hope you enjoy this month’s educational eating disorder posts meant to inspire and motivate, but mostly, to let you know that you are not alone!
What is FULL recovery?
Imagine a life where you walk around (all day!) every day and never once notice how your stomach, arms or thighs are FEELING, looking, or moving.
Where you have 95% greater brain capacity because you are no longer obsessing, worrying or ruminating about what you just ate, what you are going to eat, or what someone else is eating.
You open your mouth and freely speak your mind. Instead of silencing it and comforting it later — with food.
FULL recovery means you know who you are, and you are not afraid to live it. You know your self-worth and, therefore, expect others to recognize it (by treating you with respect, value and kindness). You no longer hate yourself, punish yourself, or ignore your needs. You give to yourself kindly, often, and with a similar energy of love and care that you extend to others.
FULL recovery means that you no longer have to fight eating disorder compulsions on a daily, hourly, or second-by-second basis because you successfully resolved past issues, and learned how to effectively address new ones.
But mostly, FULL recovery means that you have come to genuinely embrace the natural wonder and beauty of your body. You no longer beat your body into submission. And you honor the miraculous ability of your body to sustain itself, in its most healthy state, as you (trustingly!) step aside and allow it to (brilliantly) take care of itself.
Is FULL recovery possible? You bet!
Does FULL recovery take time? Yes.
And I can’t imagine a more worthy way to spend that time.
Go forward. Work hard. Keep fighting. I promise you, it will be worth it!
