"But I'm Scared..." - Recovery and the Fear of Change

When we live with the eating disorder for a while, we forget what life was like without it. Even though the eating disorder causes us so much physical and emotional pain, we get used to it. As strange as it sounds, it becomes our new “normal.”

Getting healthy again can be scary because now it's the “unknown.” We don't know what recovery is about or what to expect. That fear of change together with the eating disorder keep us slaves.

That's when it is vital to remember that the change recovery brings – even though sometimes it may not seem like it at first – is a positive one. Rather than something to be feared, it is something to be embraced as our journey to recovery.

“Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real.”
~Author Unknown

Fears… we all have them and we allow them to control us and our lives to some degree or another. Most of life’s regrets are because fear held us back.

But in truth, fear is nothing more than your mind playing tricks on you. It is a defense mechanism to protect you from things like wild animals or falling from high places. Being naturally afraid of such things helps keep us alive.

But a fear of recovery does not help us. It hinders us. Once you really, really understand this principle, the fear will start to melt away. As your recovery moves forward, you will realize that, hey, all the changes are not so bad after all. And eventually, you will reach a point where you can say, “There's nothing to be afraid of.”

“Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them... they are liable to spring upon you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.
~Orison Swett Marden

Now for the first step: Challenge those fears by committing to yourself that you WILL take control of your recovery. And, like a flower in the spring sun's gentle rays, watch your life softly open up into full bloom.

All the best,

Andrea

"Recovery from an eating disorder really IS possible. I am proof of this and not the exception to the rule!" - Andrea Roe

www.youarenotalonebook.com