Recovery Roses and Learning to be Grateful

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature
is that all of us tend to put off living.
We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden
over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses
blooming outside our windows today."

~ Dale Carnegie

That saying was very true for me during my struggles with eating disorders and depression. Now that I’m recovered (yes, full recovery IS possible!), I can look back and see that my life wasn’t “all bad” like I often believed. Rather, there were beautiful “roses blooming outside my window” that I just couldn't see. Roses I couldn't appreciate.

Learning to be grateful

The same is very likely true in your own life as well. There are things in your life you can be grateful for - that deserve to be appreciated. You deserve to be appreciated. You’re not as “worthless” as your eating disorder would like you to believe. You ARE worthy. You ARE beautiful. You have skills and talents and a special place in this world.

Here is an exercise that helped me learn and practice to appreciate life and myself.

I’d write down things I liked - about myself and life – no matter how small. At first, this exercise was difficult as I didn’t allow myself to see anything positive in my life. But I kept at it and over time, it became easier. More things came to mind.

I would read my writings on a regular basis to “burn them into my head.” Over time, I was able to see more and more things to be grateful about, which was instrumental in helping me recover. At the same time, the process taught me a valuable life lesson.

What we focus on, grows.

It's easier to see the positives of life when we focus on what is positive. Similarly, when we focus on what is "wrong" with us or our life, we tend to be blind to anything else.

For the New Year, let's make it a goal to try and focus on what's good about us. By doing so, the road to recovery can be made just that much easier.

I wish you Merry Christmas and All the Best for 2012!

Andrea

Comments

[Emily]

"What we focus on grows"
I love that. One of my favorite recovery quotes now.

[cheap double glazing]

I've heard that quote from Harv Eker before. He mentioned "what we focus on expands" but it's basically the same thing.