As an eating disorder dietitian, I am constantly inspired by the resilience and courage of my clients. Recovery is a difficult and often non-linear process, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Recently, I was in a local used bookstore, and I saw a quote that reminded me of the essential qualities of recovery. The quote was by Ms. Frizzle, the famous teacher from The Magic School Bus:
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.”
These six words hold so much power, especially when it comes to recovery from an eating disorder. Let’s break down each phrase and explore its significance:
Take chances – Recovery requires us to step outside of our comfort zones and try new things. For someone with an eating disorder, this might mean trying a new food, eating in a new environment, or experimenting with new coping skills with the support of your treatment providers. Taking chances can be scary, but it’s essential for growth and healing.
Make mistakes – No one is perfect, and that’s especially true in recovery. It’s easy to beat ourselves up over every misstep, but self compassion can be a key in moving towards healing. Making mistakes is part of the learning process. It’s an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and try again. It’s a reminder that we are human and that we are capable of growth. Mistakes are an inevitable part of the process!
Get messy – Recovery is not a linear process. It’s messy and uncomfortable and weird. But getting messy means that we are trying, experimenting, and learning. It means that we are willing to embrace the uncertainty and discomfort that comes with change.
Overall, the quote by Ms. Frizzle is a powerful reminder that recovery is a process, and it’s okay to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy along the way. It’s a reminder that recovery is not about perfection, but about progress. It’s about being kind and compassionate with ourselves as we navigate the ups and downs of recovery.
As an eating disorder dietitian, I encourage my clients to embody these qualities in their recovery journey. It takes courage to take chances, vulnerability to make mistakes, and resilience to get messy. But with each step, we become more confident and more resilient. And that’s what recovery is all about. Don’t feel ready for recovery? Read this post for support.
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