Recovery is hard. There’s no sugarcoating it. It’s messy, emotional, and sometimes feels like an uphill climb with no end in sight. Some days, it’s easy to feel like nothing is changing, and the old habits or thoughts are winning. But even in the struggle, there is a powerful truth: recovery is worth it.

Dear Future Recovery Sister,

I know you may feel helpless, alone, or lost right now. But we’re writing to tell you: there is hope…

We say at Charis that we do not get to choose our first thought, but we do choose our second thought. The eating disorder seeks to tear us down, whispering lies that can lead us to believe we are unworthy of healing and joy. It wants to keep us trapped, robbing us of the life we deserve. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, we serve a God who promises that recovery is possible. He calls us to embrace hope, healing, and wholeness. Here are some ways we can stand firm in His truth and choose our second thought when the eating disorder tries to pull us down again.