“Growth is painful. Change is painful.But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

This list has been compiled by me through my own personal experiences and the experiences of others. You may not be able to relate to all of them, but hopefully you will be able to identify within this list many reasons for recovering. Here is my YouTube video talking more in depth about my reasons to recover and reasons not to relapse. And yes, that is my tattoo shown in the photo (:

1. To live fully rather than merely existing. Experiencing life in colour; without brain fog and without dulled senses.
2. To reclaim happiness, health, healthy relationships, and your personality
3. To be happy. Being thin does not make you happy. In fact, an eating disorder causes your life to become a living hell.
4. Eating disorders destroy or negatively affect relationships. Recovery will mean healthy, happy relationships.
5. To be able to show love and care for the people you love rather than being unable to express affection or intimacy.
6. To be able to concentrate properly on reading and watching TV/movies.
7. To be able to bake and cook and enjoy those creations with no guilt or anxiety.
8. To be able to eat whatever, whenever Food is good for the soul as well as nourishment for the body.
9. To be in control of your own life, rather than your eating disorder dictating it to you.
10. To be able to enjoy socialising with friends instead of finding it almost impossible to focus on the conversation, or experiencing dissociation/anxiety.
11. To not have health problems later on in life.
12. To be able sleep deeply, peacefully, and fully.
13. To be able to feel at ease at other people’s houses, cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants.
14. To have shiny, healthy hair, and strong nails.
15. To be able to recall memories clearly.
16. To discover your talents and gifts and your passions, interests, and hobbies, without an eating disorder trying to subdue them.
17. To be able to think clearly, logically, and rationally.
18. To have a healthy glow.
19. For the smile to reach your eyes.
20. To be able to engage in recreational activity without feeling weak, faint, or unwell.
21. To be able to do things because you want to, not because you feel like you have to.
22. To be comfortable in any situation where food is present.
23. To be warm.
24. To be able to eat and enjoy any delicious foods that you want without anxiety or guilt.
25. To be able to enjoy casual drinks with friends without freaking out about alcohol calories.
26. To have ambitions, hopes, and dreams.
27. To be productive with your time. Create, inspire, explore, experience.
28. To be able to provide a healthy and happy environment for your children/future children.
29. To be able to travel the world and experience it fully and try new cuisines and activities and cultures.
30. To have so much to offer the world.
31. To live life to the fullest.