Lessons I Learned From My Recovery Journey
In this blog post, I would like to share the lessons I have learned through my eating disorder recovery journey. The process is long and worth it as you learn about yourself. These lessons have taught me to trust the process and be open to experimentation.
Lesson # 1: Letting go of rigid food rules
The letting go of rigid food rules especially if you come from a restrictive eating background. Restrictive eating behaviors include restricting food intake, fasting , cutting out a food group, and eating “safe” foods only. If you get used to eating certain foods, eating foods outside your comfort zone might be challenging. The concept of ‘safe ‘ and ‘unsafe’ foods may appear when you expand the food variety and challenging your boundaries with food. I was strictly vegetarian for a couple of years, and my food selection was somewhat limited. Recovery pushed me to challenge it and expand the foods I eat. I felt the intuitive need to include animal protein like chicken to support my health. It was a weird and uncomfortable experience at first, but I knew it would benefit my health. I had to let go of the idea that all food have to be healthy and started enjoying food.
Lesson #2: Trusting my body
The process of trusting your body after following strict rules may be unsettling. Extreme hunger is common if you were restricting food intake for a long time. Extreme hunger is a form of hunger on an emotional level when a restriction has distributed your hunger cues. The extreme hunger will pass, therefore reassure yourself that this is temporary and your body will need time to readjust. The trust will gradually increase as you listen to your intuition. My advice is to sit with discomfort and be patient with yourself.
Lesson # 3: Adapting to the flow of your life and circumstances
Life can flow in mysterious ways. Sometimes life happens whether you are in control or not. There is the illusion of being in ‘total” control. The past couple of months has been a transition stage as I was starting a new job in a different environment as well as adjusting to the new routine. I missed my previous routine, but I had to adapt my schedule around it. It took me a couple of trials and errors to know what works and what doesn’t. My energy and focus levels shifted as most of my energy went to my new job. I included self-care and downtime to relax and do what I enjoy. The effect of this was more balance in my personal and professional life. These past few months have expanded my comfort zone, and I have been learning more as I go.
These are some lessons I have learned till now in my journey. If you feel inspired, take time and journal or write down what you learned from your own experience. Your struggle may be different, and it’s okay. The one thing I would like to remind you is to celebrate the small wins, and achievements because these are stepping stones to your healing path.
Reach out to me if you need any support or have any questions. If you are interested in booking a free health history consultation, click on this link.