Way, waaay back in May I began the 30 Day Recovery Challenge. I did it on and off (mostly off) for a while but things got busy I guess and I stopped.. until today! Hooray! I’m picking up where I left off because I’ve struggled a little lately, and I think doing this exercise will help me remember why I chose recovery.

So, without further ado:

Day 17 - What in your life has improved since you entered recovery?

My physical health. My hair doesn’t fall out as often, my nails are stronger, my skin brighter. My teeth aren’t eroded anymore after having gotten them filled at the dentist, and my digestion is slowly but surely getting back on track. My body is no longer bony and angular, so when I hug people they don’t feel awkward and unsure; there’s actually something for them to hold on to now. I’ve even got the energy to do things these days. I feel better when my body is feeling better, and I’ve learned to be gentle with it because it’s been hurt. (We’re on much better terms than we used to be.)

My mental and emotional health. I’ve been in recovery for about three years now and I think I’ve improved the most in this category. Months of being in treatment have taught me a lot about positive thinking, mindfulness, healthy coping skills, and how to process my thoughts and feelings – things I wouldn’t have been able to do back when I was still sick. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking! It really opens up your mind and your soul, makes them lighter and easier to carry.

Knowing what I want. I can’t admit that I know 100% what I want to do in life, but it has gotten a little clearer. I know, for example, that I want to finish school, and that I want to pursue a higher degree. I know that I want to write. I want to continue advocacy for lymphedema and eating disorder awareness, and I want to help others feel less alone living with these diseases. I want to spend time with people I love and care about, who love and care about me the same, and I want to continue doing the things that make me happy. I want, I suppose, what everyone else wants: to be happy, and loved, and fulfilled.

See past posts from the 30 Day Recovery Challenge:

• 1/30- a Letter
• 2/30- Helping yourself
• 3/30- Three things I like about ME
• 4/30- Harming others
• 5/30- Remember me
• 6-8/30- A letter; wants & needs; turning back time
• 9/30- Role models
• 10/30- Five goals
• 11-13/30- Motivation; change; struggles
• 14-16/30- Change; triggers; gratefulness