Battling through an eating disorder is immensely difficult, especially after the holiday season. Even people without a diagnosed condition struggle to redetermine their relationship with their body and with food.
Here at The Ranch Tennessee, we believe in setting positive intentions for the year. With that in mind, here is a collection of 12 eating disorder recovery quotes about bravery, perseverance, recovery, and making it, despite all the challenges we face.
January
“Though no one can go back and make a new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.”
– Carl Bard
January is the month of new beginnings. Use this reset as an opportunity to dream about what a future without your eating disorder’s constant voice could look like and take the needed steps to get there.
February
“I intend to accept my body today, love my body tomorrow, and appreciate my body always.”
We wish this to be your mantra for the year 2021. Accept your body, love it, and appreciate it for the gift of life it’s given you.
March
“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
– Abraham Maslow
It can be terrifying to step into the unknown world of treatment and eating disorder recovery, although true growth lies beyond the realm of our comfort zone. What is your choice in this moment?
April
“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
It is courageous each day to show up for yourself, to admit that you care, and to want something different than the problems you’ve felt stuck in.
May
“I am beginning to measure myself in strength, not pounds. Sometimes in smiles.”
– Laurie Halse Anderson
Let’s move away from the scale, away from the measuring tape, and into an understanding of ourselves and our happiness with the memories we create and relationships we make.
June
“The words “I am” are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you.”
– A.L. Kitselman
When we let shame narratives influence our mindset, we think of ourselves as broken or defective. You are so much more than a number on a scale or a body type. Choose to label yourself instead with an empowering message, “I am strong” or “I am capable.” Claim your power.
July
“The size of my waist has nothing to do with my worth.”
Your worth cannot be measured in inches, and your value extends far beyond the digits on the scale.
“If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies, how very different our ideals of beauty would be.”
– Lauren Jauregui
August
“Get off the scale! I have yet to see a scale that can tell you how enchanting your eyes are. I have yet to see a scale that can show you how wonderful your hair looks when the sun shines its glorious rays on it. I have yet to see a scale that can thank you for your compassion, sense of humor, and contagious smile. Get off the scale because I have yet to see one that can admire you for your perseverance when challenged in life.”
– Steve Maraboli
September
“If we are ready to tear down the walls that confine us, break the cage that imprisons us, we will discover what our wings are for.”
– Michael Meegan
There is great potential within us; once we’re ready to break free from the false security that can no longer be found in the eating disorder that has kept us trapped for too long.
October
“Our minds distort our mirrors.”
The only truth that the mirror has for us is a reflection of what we most fear: rejection, failure, being unloved, or out of control. All else is a distortion.
“Make peace with the mirror, and watch your reflection change.”
November
“When you starve yourself, you feed your demons.”
December
“In the midst of hate, I found there was in me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was within me, an invincible calm… In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
-Albert Camus
You are powerful, you are resilient, and you are capable of making a change this year. You become no less of any of those things when you reach out to ask for help from those trained to work with you and help you find a greater sense of purpose and well-being in 2021.
“At this very moment, you may be saying to yourself that you have any number of admirable qualities. You are a loyal friend, a caring person, someone who is smart, dependable, fun to be around. That’s wonderful, and I’m happy for you, but let me ask you this: are you being any of those things to yourself?”
– Phillip C. McGraw
Be kind to yourself this year, take brave steps to be friends with your body, and learn to tune out the eating disorder’s hateful voice today. The Ranch Tennessee is here to support you every step of the way. Using our evidence-based and holistic therapy programs, we’ll help you discover the courage to change, and inspire you to become your own best friend.
Which eating disorder recovery quote inspired you?
Download your favorite below and make it your phone background for year-long inspo!
