Spring is finally here!
Oh my gosh, am I ever welcoming it with open arms!
Whenever this time of year rolls around, I always remember how difficult this specific season is for those struggling with an eating disorder, or in recovery from one.
If you don’t know my story, here’s the one sentence version: When I was in high school, I nearly died from a severe case of anorexia, which got me down to 78 pounds: isolated, manipulative, and having lost all my hair from malnutrition. Today, I am 14 years strong in recovery, fully embracing life without “ED,” and trying to use my story of redemption to help others.
OK, that was two sentences.
But here’s the thing: even though I am so far removed from that dark season of my life now, I was so entrenched, so absolutely sold out to my anorexia — to the degree that I nearly lost it all — I will never forget what it feels like to walk in those shoes of despair.
Which inspired my post for tonight, offering three gentle reminders that bring into the spotlight all the lies the enemy — who is also known as the “Voice of ED” in secular recovery spaces — tries to throw your way once the weather gets warm.

1. “Shorts Season” should not dictate your food intake.
Just because the weather is warm and we’re wearing less clothes does NOT mean you need to eat less. Listen, you are going to hear every diet program blast on commercials, social media, etc — all about how you’ve got to be getting “bikini ready,” or getting in shape to wear those short shorts — you’ve got to be prepared for that onslaught of diet culture malarky.
Bodies need fuel and nutrients, no matter if it’s 25 degrees outside, or it’s 75 degrees.
It used to bother me so much, when I was starting recovery, to hear people be like, “Oh it’s so hot out, I have no appetite.” Or “It’s too hot for anything other than a salad!”
Psh…girl, please. Feed your gal dang body. And never feel guilty for nourishing yourself.
Do. Not. Modify. Your. Intake. Because. Of. The. Weather.
2. Just because it’s spring does not mean you have to do a Juice Cleanse.
OK – this one ALSO really grinds my gears.
I don’t know what it is about spring, but I guess people have decided that “spring cleaning” now includes a juice cleanse.
Listen. When you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, juice cleanses are like flirting with death. Why tempt yourself and test the strength of your recovery by reverting to a liquid diet!?
Friends, I’ve been there! There was a phase of my anorexia where I only consumed liquids — and friends. Just don’t do it.
What is the number one rule of recovery?? PROTECT IT AT ALL COSTS.
And frankly, that means staying as far away from anything that could lure you back into that hell hole pit of Satan’s spawns as possible.
Dramatic much? Well, that’s how strongly I feel about it.
2b. Lent is not a Diet.
This is a bit of a piggy back on the last one, but coming from someone whose anorexia started when I gave up all sweets for Lent, hear me when I say: do not give up any food item for Lent.
I stand by that, even 14 years later. I made a pact with Jesus that I will never withhold nutrients from the body that He created, and so generously gave to me to take care of, ever again. Restriction no more! (Instead, I do things for Lent, like going to Mass during the week, saying the Rosary every day, giving up watching reality TV, etc.)
All that being said, you are going to have friends giving up food items, or dessert, or soda, etc. for Lent. And they will surely be letting you know how difficult it is to “resist.” Friends, that can be so triggering. Especially if you’ve got even the slightest competitive bone in your body — which I’m guessing most of you do — especially if you’ve got a history of disordered eating.
Just let those triggers wash right over you. Let your friend vent about restricting food. You’ve been there, done that, bought the T-Shirt. And bask in the silent joy of knowing that you will never restrict from your body again, and by doing so, not only are you making Jesus incredibly happy, but you have reclaimed your life and are making a good decision!
3. It’s Okay to Not Have Your Life Figured Out in High School
Ok, this last one is specifically for my ED-warriors who are still in high school.
When spring time rolls around, focus shifts to one thing: college.
College visits. College applications. Acceptance status. Where you’re going next year. Where your friends are going. What you’re going to major in.
In the moment, these feel like the biggest decisions of your life.
Or, perhaps, you’re like me, and battling an eating disorder, and so any and all future plans were out the window, as I was literally battling to just to stay alive.
But you see, that was all the plan. For me, anorexia was the big red emergency “STOP” button on the treadmill of my life that I had going at absolute full speed. As a perfectionist/over achiever, I kept setting the bar higher and higher and higher for myself – to an impossible level. I couldn’t “quit” or give up or…*gasp* FAIL! No way. Anorexia was my way to quit by default. It was a pocket veto. A way for me to regain control.
All that to say – these college decisions that seem so huge, make or break, life or death, be all-end all…in the grand scheme of thing, it is just a small blip on the radar of your life. Yes, an important blip — but not enough to gamble your life for.
You do not have to decide the path or the trajectory of your life in high school. Your test scores do not reflect your worth or your value in life.
Keep it in perspective.
So there you have it.
Spring time is beautiful, but it can be a sneaky snake when it comes to eating disorder recovery.
So thank you for letting me share those gentle reminders for those battling an eating disorder, or walking the beautifully-difficult-yet-so-worth-it road of recovery.
Recovery is worth it. You are worth it. And I believe in you.
To order my recovery companion journal, click here.

Thank you for your support on Patreon!! You make this blog possible ๐
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND โMY BLOGGING TIPSโ***Click to order your copy!
MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!

Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones โ Instagram

And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!
26 responses to “Three Recovery Reminders for Spring”
Hello, Beauty Beyond Bones; I am a Canadian who has enjoyed reading your blog for quite some time but was thrown off course (along with everyone else) by the health scare. I thought you might be saying something about spring, and I wanted to see if you were saying anything was wrong. Nice to know you’re going about business as usual.
Good luck. You have a strong writing style. I read self-management books, I am not sure how many times when I wasn’t doing anything creative. Some of them were not as enjoyable as your blog.
Thank you so much Odelle. Oh gosh, health scare!? Are you okay? I’ll be praying for you! thank you for your kind words about my blog. sending big big hugs xox
I agree, Caralyn. Do not give up a food item for Lent. Instead, give up a behavior that is distracting to your spiritual life. Or add a behavior that will enhance your walk with Jesus. Very good advice!
Yes! That’s such a great piece of advice about Lent! Thank you! Anything to put focus back on Jesus! ๐ so glad you stopped by! have a wonderful night! Hugs and love xox
Again Caralyn great insight. Sometimes it is easy for those in recovery even for an extended period of time to lose perspective as things change -even with the seasons. Your recovery is strong. Evidence of your hard work and Jesusโ love and strength in your life. Thanks again. John
thank you again John, I appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
[…] Three Recovery Reminders for Spring […]
thank you Tonya for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Men need advice – why do WE lose hair? One may never have an eating disorder but may start balding in our pre-teens, even. ๐ค๐๐
Oh gosh – that is definitely true! i feel for men having to wrestle with that!
๐
With open arms, for sure!
yes! thank you Marland for stopping by!! ๐ Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome! Hugs and love xox
๐๐๐
โOur Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.โ Martin Luther
oh wow, I absolutely love this thought! i will never look at a plant the same again!! Hugs and love xox
Hey mam!!!
How are you doing?
I hope everything is well, and yeah, happy spring!(โแดโโฟ)โจโจโจ๐ธ๐ธ
hi Aadya! Aw, so great to hear from you! I’m doing absolutely wonderful! how about you!? same to you! Hugs and love xox
I m doing great as well! Mam one thing I wanted to ask, WordPress, is such a big commu, with so many amazing people. So like the “YouTube fest” they also have a fest here? Like I googled it, turned out if something,it’s all online๐
So what do you think about this ?
*community
Several years ago I started giving for Lent. I have a hard time with getting rid of clothes, for example. My closet was full of things others could use, but I never wore. I gave up at least one item for every day of Lent. I also do other things, like giving blood or platelets. Our church decided to collect pancake items (mixes, syrup, oil, jellies, etc.) for a local food pantry. Another idea is pet food for food pantries – this is a huge need I never knew about until someone who worked at the pantry told our Missions board about it. Now whatever is left in our budget at the end of the year goes to huge bags of dog food they break down into smaller. Giving up has many faces. Plus I find this way really does focus me on God, while giving up things like Food for myself turned my focus to me! A great way to feel either pious or pity!
Hi Kim, thank you so much forr sharing that! Oh wow – what a FANTASTIC thing to do for Lent! That is defffinitely something I should try! Kudos to you! You’re right, giving up has many faces!! amen! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
My sweet friend, I really appreciate this post. As a post menopausal runner whoโs gained weight and lost her athletic figure, Iโm really trying to accept my new body . Itโs not easy. Hugs!
I agree with number 3. In fact, because I didn’t go to the “right” university after I finished high school many of my teachers in high school were angry at me. This made me stress out. It wasn’t until I went to the school that my teachers wanted me to go to that my ED popped up. ๐
aw, Amanda, I’m so sorry about that. yeah, stress and the weight of high expectations can definitely trigger ED. All in God’s timing thought – the road you have walked has shaped who you are, and formed you into the woman God has created you to be: strong, courageous, and faithful. Hugs and love xox