Where to Start
Making the decision to recover, or even considering it is an accomplishment and a great display of true inner strength. But many of left wondering, "What now?" or "Where to start?", well don't worry. Here are a few ways to change your direction.
Acceptance
Although many of your days have been a struggle, you’re finally taking a moment to think with a clear mind. Accept where you are now and accept what has happened. We all experience lessons in life, and this has simply been one of yours. As you walk away from this, you will become a stronger person with a beautiful future ahead of you. You've decided to fight for your life or to finally open your mind to the words of your inner strength. Your inner strength will not tell you that you can’t do this, nor will it tell you that you aren't good enough. It will inspire you, not hinder your efforts to recover.
Above all, you have to accept the truths about Anorexia Nervosa. Not only that you don’t need it, but that it’s also leading you down a dark path and there is no happiness at the finish line. Don't allow your life and mood to depend on a number on the scale or the reflection in your mirror. Accept the fact that you are beautiful, within and out, even if you can’t see that right now.
Above all, you have to accept the truths about Anorexia Nervosa. Not only that you don’t need it, but that it’s also leading you down a dark path and there is no happiness at the finish line. Don't allow your life and mood to depend on a number on the scale or the reflection in your mirror. Accept the fact that you are beautiful, within and out, even if you can’t see that right now.
Forgive Yourself
Guilt is one of the most common emotions felt before and after making the decision to recover. You may feel guilty for hurting yourself or others with this illness, but self-loathing and guilt will not ease anyone‘s pain or justify your actions. Forgive yourself, and learn from your mistakes. Those who truly love and care about you do not want you to hold onto your guilt and punish yourself for what ever you've done to them.
Allow any upsetting thoughts and emotions to come to the surface. Our emotions simply come to us to say, “Please just listen, then let me go”. These feelings don’t come up to purposely sadden us, hurt us, or make us feel any worse than we already do. Don’t prevent the release of these emotions by acting on them, dwelling on them or feeding the sadness that you feel when they surface. In doing so, you’re only clinging onto them and preventing them from leaving. As these feelings and images emerge, take a deep breath, and say or think: “I’m letting you go, I’m letting this go”. Definitely don't suppress your emotions either.
Allow any upsetting thoughts and emotions to come to the surface. Our emotions simply come to us to say, “Please just listen, then let me go”. These feelings don’t come up to purposely sadden us, hurt us, or make us feel any worse than we already do. Don’t prevent the release of these emotions by acting on them, dwelling on them or feeding the sadness that you feel when they surface. In doing so, you’re only clinging onto them and preventing them from leaving. As these feelings and images emerge, take a deep breath, and say or think: “I’m letting you go, I’m letting this go”. Definitely don't suppress your emotions either.
Acknowledge Your Strength
Strength in it's purest form is within us all and it never leaves, and although it may seem to subside, it never gives out. It allows us to appreciate the good in our lives, even when we're surrounded by the bad, and to appreciate the bad when we experience good things again. True strength enables us to anticipate what tomorrow can bring, even if we had a bad day. It encourages us to focus on our smiles and accept the lessons we learned from our frowns. Strength means to refuse to be a victim to life's obstacles, and to stand your ground when you're faced with these challenges. It also means allowing yourself to cry when you have to. Strength is having a heart to love yourself and all of the people who truly love you back. Strength is in all of us; see it within your life, see it within yourself.
Fight Anorexia has plenty of more ways to inspire you and set you off on the path to recovery, just take a look around!
Fight Anorexia has plenty of more ways to inspire you and set you off on the path to recovery, just take a look around!