Finding Freedom in Recovery
Hello, Friend
I hope this note finds you well. I notice that many struggle longer in recovery than is necessary. The journey to finding freedom in recovery isn’t always straightforward (I know that might not be totally true, as relapses, running from care, and pride can also be teachers and elicit growth—but that’s a nuance in this story.)
Why do so many struggle, like I did in the early years of recovery?
I Like many, didn’t realize that I couldn’t have the freedom I wanted just by moving around the furniture on a sinking ship. Meaning, I couldn’t think about bodies and relationships the same way but just “look and act less disordered” to have peace with body, food and people.
I would have to give up something.
What Was I Willing to Sacrifice?
I had to be willing to live a life that wasn’t based on earning approval with my body. I had to accept that the body I thought I must have in order to feel comfortable—based on my personal worldview of acceptable bodies—was actually the very thing keeping me sick and stuck.
Even health itself, if it became part of the equation of earning approval, had to be surrendered. (Health is a gift, and we aren’t against that. But the fear and obsession with it? We see full well how it imprisons people.)
The Truth That Sets You Free
In the end, I had to choose truth if I wanted to be free.
This writing isn’t pointed at anyone, but if you relate to my story, I hope it encourages you to take the risk. Untangle the lies from the truth. Learn to trust that you will not regret being willing to weigh what it takes to break the programming—the programming that tells you your body is the ruler of how you navigate life.
You don’t have to live by those rules anymore.
Peaceful eating,
Tracy and team
P.S. If you’re ready to seek help for your journey, please reach out to our team.
