What does it mean to be a 'Recovery Hero?'

"A best friend is someone who loves you when you forget to love yourself."

 During National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) week, we talk a lot about recovery heroes. But what does that really mean? Who is a recovery hero?

A recovery hero to me is someone who helps you stay behavior- free, or sober, depending on what you might be struggling with. 

A recovery hero can be anything or anyone that helps you live a life free of any negative behaviors; from rediscovering your love of writing or painting, something you haven't done since you were a child to your dog, whose company holds you accountable, keeps you from feeling lonely, and ultimately, away from any self-destructive behaviors. 

A recovery hero is a man or woman who has seen you at your worst and still shows you unwavering support, and ultimately, hope. Even if you have none left. Even when all your hope for reaching and maintaining recovery has come and gone, your recovery hero maintains enough for the both of you- confident that you will get through whatever darkness you are facing. 

He or she is the person who is trying so desperately to pull you out of the mud, regardless of how much your disorder or illness tries to convince you and everyone else around you that it's comfortable there. The mud feels nice, because the mud keeps you numb to whatever you're trying to run away from. But, you can't reside there forever. Eventually, one of two things have to happen: either the mud will suck you in, or your recovery hero, filled with adrenaline will fight off the mud that's pulling you deeper and deeper away from their embrace, and lift you out and back into the light. Because no matter how far into the mud you may be, there's still light. There's always light. And a recovery hero is one who helps you find it again. He or she is the person that despite all other efforts from outsiders is able to get through to you, if only just for a moment. They are the reason something deep down inside of you is still fighting. 

The demons you are battling may have you convinced you that you are stuck in the mud, but the stronger part, the part that is still you, the part that is your soul, the part of you that made this recovery hero fall in love with you, the part of you that convinces them that you're worth fighting for, that there's something to be saved is scratching at the surface, desperate to be pulled out. 

A recovery hero is the person who you can talk to for hours, without them interrupting your endless stream of thoughts. You can call them at any time of the day or night, and they will pick up, offering to drop by if you need anything at all, even just someone to sit by your side. 

Regardless of how hard that your disorder is pushing against you, find that piece of you that wants to be pulled out of the mud, even if it's only an ounce. Find that ounce of hope and remember that their is light. Hope is still their. If you can't find it on your own, reach out to your recovery hero. Be vocal and speak up. Ask for help. Reach out your hand, and yell, "pull!" Your sure to get through the mud together. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, take a confidential screening www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool.