Keeping inspired whilst recovering from an Eating Disorder is crucial. That little voice over your shoulder that whispers 'you can do it' needs to be constantly nourished with a drip feed of 'lovely body positive' commentary. This phrase I'm using - Lovely Body Positive - is all the more powerful as it comes from one of the Recover Clinic (ED clinic in Brighton) clients who provided me with a list of positive online role-models.
This list includes the fabulous plus size model Ashley Graham who has a long list of inspiring quotes to keep your motivation up, from a quick mantra - "remember to love every inch of you" to longer pep talks - "It doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or 22 you can be healthy as long as you're taking care of your body...and telling yourself 'I love you' instead of taking in the negativity of beauty standards".
Charli Howard, also a model, lashed out at the fashion industry for body shaming after she experienced ongoing pressure from model agencies leading to her own body dysmorphia issues. She now reflects on this time and offers wise words - "After years of hating and abusing my body I've finally learned to love, nourish and take care of it. For the first time in my life I feel body positive". Her website is refreshing as it includes delicious recipes for stodgy cakes, how to be proud of your face with very little make-up and feminist commentary from other great contemporary heroines.
Worthy role-models for recovery come in all genres, shapes and sizes from the body positive advocate Jessamyn Stanley a 'yoga enthusiast and fat femme' (her words) to Lisa Lister who was crowned 'the defender of female awesomeness' by Cooler magazine.
Find role models who you gel with, who speak of acceptance and offer you a green light to be who you are without comparison. Follow their social media for constant reminding. I'll leave you with this… Short, sweet and to the point:
"Beauty isn't measured by a number" (Charli Howard).