the art of recovery ~ part 2
search.
grief.
tolerance.
3 obstacles introduced last week that may interfere with eating disorder recovery.
the search for a new sense of self
the grief that accompanies the loss of the eating disorder
the tolerance necessary to bear difficult feelings
rescue.
strength.
acceptance.
3 approaches that i share with my clients in addressing these roadblocks.
the rescue of one's self from the depths of the eating disorder
the strength from inside that will carry one through bereavement
the acceptance of valid emotional shifts
rescue
[freedom or deliverance from confinement.]
begin with personal awareness.
to unravel your true identity.
that has been hidden beneath the layers of the eating disorder.
take an honest and intimate look at your emerging self.
assess your values.
what makes you happy?
what motivates you?
this journey can be startling yet fulfilling.
ambiguous yet illuminating.
give yourself permission to explore.
one doesn't creates a sense of self.
one tunes into what is already there.
you will start to build your self-esteem.
as you open yourself up to a wider world.
from search to rescue.
the lifeline is no longer your eating disorder.
the lifeline is now YOU.
strength
[mental power, force, or vigor.]
no one grieves the same amount of time.
or in quite the same way.
be gentle with yourself as you navigate the waters of recovery.
allow yourself the space to address the various stages of grief.
you may have experienced denial and anger.
you may have tried to bargain with yourself.
employing the if-onlys and the what-ifs.
you've most likely felt depressed as you've moved on.
but the potential is there to emerge stronger than ever before.
your eating disorder has shown that you are a survivor.
you are resilient.
you are determined and tenacious.
continue to challenge yourself and push forward.
there is light on the other side of grief.
from grief to strength.
the familiar friend is no longer your eating disorder.
the familiar friend is now YOU.
acceptance
[the act of taking or receiving something offered.]
emotions are not our enemies.
emotions are vital tools for assessing our needs.
they are our gauge, our compass.
they tell us what is good and what is in want of change.
accept your feelings for what they are.
sit with them through the discomfort.
listen to the lessons they are trying to impart.
what is the fear telling you?
what is the anger revealing to you?
do not suppress this internal operating system.
and do not judge yourself.
ride out the unpleasantness.
ease your anxiety with deep breaths.
then forge ahead with boldness and resolve.
from tolerance to acceptance.
the hurt is no longer masked by your eating disorder.
the hurt is now a trusted conveyor of messages to YOU.
now.
it is time to create your well-being magnum opus.
your greatest work, the best you have to offer.
perfection does not exist.
instead strive for progress, improvement, development, and growth.
relish in the breakthroughs.
it is time to turn your eating disorder into an eating discovery.
because you matter.
if you would like to share your thoughts, please leave a reply.
if you would like to work with me, please send an email.
i look forward to hearing from you.
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