51 Reasons to Keep on Keeping on (Why not relapse?)

Recovery is hard and relapse is always an option, but here are 51 reasons to not relapse. Whether it’s recovery from an eating disorder, substance abuse, mental illness, self injury, or alcoholism. Feel free to add your own!

1. Because I don’t want to be a hypocrite. How can I tell others what to eat when I don’t follow my own advice?
2. Because being hungry heightens feelings of anger and depression.
3. Because I’ve found my voice and I don’t want it to go away.
4. Because there are times when I’m totally happy and I want more of those moments.
5. Because I want my story to inspire others to get well.
6. Because feeling sick sucks.
7. Because I want to graduate from college.
8. Because I want to have a career that enlivens me, not just a job to keep me busy.
9. Because skipping meals does not make me stronger or special.
10. Because I want to have energy.
11. Because there are so many books waiting to be read.
12. Because not eating is boring.
13. Because my body deserves to get taken care of.
14. Because my family shouldn’t have to suffer because of me.
15. Because I’ve tried being sick and it sucks, so I may as well try to be well.
16. Because I’d eventually just have to regain the weight anyway.
17. Because starving doesn’t make the problem go away. Nor does trying to stuff the feelings with food.
18. Because I’m always going to have feelings and I can’t ignore them all.
19. Because I want to have my own kids or be a role model for someone else’s kids.
20. Because when you’re sick you’re seen as “less than”.
21. Because purging is not a good way to lose weight.
22. Because restriction leads to binging.
23. Because being able to concentrate is terribly useful during class. As is retaining knowledge and doing well in classes.
24. Because I want to prove that I can get better.
25. Because being forced to eat gross foods is horrible.
26. Because I don’t want to be on numerous medications.
27. Because treatment is ridiculously expensive.
28. Because having full hair is nice.
29. Because choosing an outfit shouldn’t be that hard.
30. Because I know better now.
31. Because my thoughts are valuable. I have good ideas that people need to hear.
32. Because life isn’t really all that bad that I should try to hide from it.
33. Because muscle weighs more than fat.
34. Because losing weight is not an accomplishment.
35. Because the best anorexic is dead.
36. Because I want to be remembered for something other than being sad.
37. Because I hate feeling cold all the time.
38. Because I want to actually feel alive while I am.
39. Because I can always buy new clothes.
40. Because my body and mind are still healing.
41. Because a simple smile can make someone else’s day.
42. Because I’ve come such a long way already.
43. Because tomorrow is full of possibilities.
44. Because I have other things to worry about.
45. Because I don’t want to let people down.
46. Because it will never be enough.
47. Because feeling completely out of control is terrifying.
48. Because this is not a life.
49. Because I don’t want rotted/decayed teeth.
50. Because why would I want to engage in behaviors that make me want to die.
51. Because I always have a choice.

Ready to give recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating a shot? In search of an experienced eating disorder registered dietitian in the Centerport, New York area or virtually? Send Christina an email to learn more about 1:1 nutrition therapy sessions!