New Year's Resolutions and Eating Disorders
Debra Cooper, BA, Communications Specialist @ Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment
January 1, 2012
It is 2012. The Christmas tree is long gone, the ornaments are put away and life has returned to normal. For a woman or girl recovering from an eating disorder, the most important thing is that you have reached the other side of the holidays. At Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, we respect how difficult the holiday season can be with its inordinate focus on food. We know the tremendous amount of stress and pressure this focus can engender in those who struggle with anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating.
We also recognize that the New Year can pose its own set of challenges, starting with unrealistic and unattainable resolutions made by far too many people in this first month of the new year. Here’s some good sound advice for you regarding making any resolutions concerning recovery: don’t do it. They don’t work. Even worse, unrealized resolutions can make you feel like you’ve failed.
The idea that January is somehow different than any other month is silly. It is just another month; another handful of weeks, to do the best you can in your recovery. It’s another month to follow your nutrition plan, engage in healthy exercise, attend support groups, and make it to appointments with a dietitian or therapist.
If you want to commemorate the advent of 2012 with something special, then consider this: make a simple promise to yourself – vow to extend love, grace and compassion to yourself every day. Keep in mind that you are not perfect and you don’t need to be. Therefore, if you ever slip in your recovery, remember it is only a slip. Tomorrow is a new day, so simply pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on the road. Continue to give yourself the support and understanding you deserve. Do not default to self-criticism or harsh blame. In this new year, remember that self-condemnation is no longer part of your thoughts, mindset or language.
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is located on 43 beautiful acres just outside Chicago, offering a nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, trauma and co-occurring disorders. By serving with uncompromising care, relentless compassion and an unconditional joyful spirit, we help our residents help themselves in their recovery. For more information, visit www.timberlineknolls.com or call 877.257.9611.
page last updated 1.12.12
