Recovery Is...

Last week my therapist asked me to think about what the word recovery means. Puzzled, I left session wondering if she had forgotten I have a brain. My entire life revolves around that word right now, which automatically makes me an expert.

Recovery [rɪˈkʌvərɪ]n pl -eries

1. the act or process of recovering, esp from sickness, a shock, or a setback; recuperation

2. restoration to a former or better condition

3. the regaining of something lost

Recovery is getting rid of my eating disorder- simple as that.

However, after a week of thinking about this, I think I finally figured out what my therapist meant. Maybe I’m not the recovery expert I thought I was. There is so much more to recovery than simply recovering.

Recovery is...

Living

Rediscovery

Invigorating

Freedom

Bliss

A second chance

Frustrating

Emotional

Sharing secrets

Honesty

Letting go

A clean slate

Healing

Self Love

Chocolate everyday

Life changing

Vulnerability

A fresh start

Tedious

Integrity

Hope

Time Consuming

Painful

Laughter

Losing control

Yet, gaining control at the same time

Maturity

Strength

Willpower

Health

Recovery does not have a short and sweet definition; like my best friend always says, it's a process. Recovery is not always a good time, but according to my list, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. I can't wait to prove to my therapist that I do have a brain, after all. :)

Progress.