Today is the day. Today is my breakdown-aversary.
It’s been 9 years since I thought I wouldn’t get my life back.
It’s been 9 years of learning to listen to myself.
9 years since I was given the greatest gift.
9 years of learning to love who I am.
9 years of listening to my body.
Recovery is different for everyone. For some, mental health recovery can hit a finish line and their struggles can be 100% overcome. One social media gal I love (@bodyposipanda) speaks about her own recovery in this way, claiming that her eating disorder now feels like it was from another life. For others, its a case of management, a journey they must go on with themselves and learn to change and manage over time. This is me for now. I am an extremely high functioning mental health warrior, but someone who acknowledges that management is important.
Over my journey with mental health recovery, I have learnt so many lessons. Here are some of my faves.
To be fully human, you must embrace the full spectrum of human emotion. It won’t always feel good. But honoring your emotions will help with getting you grounded.
You are capable of anything but it must start with being kind to yourself. Giving yourself grace is the magic elixir.
Recovery won’t follow the path you think it will. It will take some unexpected turns. But journeying with yourself will lead you to your truest self.
I am, and always will be, worthy of recovery. As will you…and our recovery stories will likely be completely different.
It’s ok to say no, to have boundaries and fill your own cup first. Self care comes first, and then we will have the strength to look outside ourselves.
Feeling fear doesn’t ever make me weak. Ever. Whether that’s phobia related fear, or getting nervous about standing up and doing a zumba song in front of class.
…but choosing to face my fears head on always makes me damn strong. We are made to do hard things.
Gratitude as a practice has the power to change your perspective
When you are filled with self love, you make better choices. For yourself, for others, for your community.
What are your mental health recovery lessons? What have you taken away from your own conversations? What would you want others to know? Comment below!
