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11 Things That Make Recovering From An Eating Disorder Worth It

You've worked so hard, don't stop now.

Abby Johnson

Dec 04, 2019

Longwood

11 Things That Make Recovering From An Eating Disorder Worth It

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Eating disorders suck.

Recovering from one sucks even more.

The only difference between the two is that recovery is actually worth it.

Ten million Americans suffer from an eating disorder every single year. That's ten million people with a little voice in their head telling them they aren't good enough, that they're not worth taking up space on this earth.

These people are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, best friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, cousins, and even the cashier you greet at the grocery store every week.

Recovery brings so much freedom that's been missed out on for however long an eating disorder was the center of our life.

For me, that was four years. Those four years were filled with anxiety and self-hate that made it difficult to get up and face the world every day. I was diagnosed in 2014, but didn't fully step onto the recovery train until 2017, and didn't actually beat the disorder for good until 2018.

Now that it is almost 2020, I feel like I can list three million reasons why recovering from an eating disorder is actually worth it in the end...

I can drink a Starbucks holiday coffee and not give it a second thought.

I figured out what ranch was, and I never looked back.

I can actually fall asleep at night relatively quickly because my mind isn't going a million miles a minute (at least most nights I can).

I can go out with friends to a bar and not worry about how many liquid calories I consumed.

I can make it through the holiday season without needing to take a timeout from people.

Making spontaneous plans are no longer a nightmare.

I can share my story with others who are struggling and show them that there is hope for the future.

I am truly beginning to love who I see in the mirror.

I can go to a workout class and not have to be the "best" or "skinniest."

Food is meant to be enjoyed, not just meant to be a source of energy.

Recovery is worth it because being happy is better than any other feeling in this world.

Eating disorders are very secretive and it's very hard for someone struggling to reach out for help on their own. If you or someone you know is struggling, be courageous and reach out to the NEDA helpline at 800-931-2237.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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11 Things That Make Recovering From An Eating Disorder Worth It

You've worked so hard, don't stop now.

I can drink a Starbucks holiday coffee and not give it a second thought.

I figured out what ranch was, and I never looked back.

I can actually fall asleep at night relatively quickly because my mind isn't going a million miles a minute (at least most nights I can).

I can go out with friends to a bar and not worry about how many liquid calories I consumed.

I can make it through the holiday season without needing to take a timeout from people.

Making spontaneous plans are no longer a nightmare.

I can share my story with others who are struggling and show them that there is hope for the future.

I am truly beginning to love who I see in the mirror.

I can go to a workout class and not have to be the "best" or "skinniest."

Food is meant to be enjoyed, not just meant to be a source of energy.

Recovery is worth it because being happy is better than any other feeling in this world.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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