How do we keep moving toward accepting ourselves on hard days, when the pull of the eating disorder is strong, and the need to numb is overwhelming? This is a question I had to answer for myself and learned two keys: permission to have my emotions and small acts of self-kindness. Both have had a positive impact on my recovery, and I hope you find a gem here that resonates with you.

As we all know, coping with shame is a deep, ongoing process, especially when it is tied to eating, body image, or past experiences. Guest contributor Jenn J. (she/they) shares why breaking the shame cycle often involves self-compassion, connection, and gentle unlearning, and offers several approaches that have helped them in their own healing journey.

Meet guest contributor Evie Rose, who shares about making the brave, hard choice to leave university to seek help for an eating disorder and addiction. Evie describes how she’s integrated yoga into her recovery journey, and the many ways the practice has helped her feel again and move her body with intention and compassion. If you could use a little hope today that recovery is possible, give Evie’s post a read.