Five Ways I Spend a Bank Holiday, Safe in the Knowledge I'm E.D Free

Here’s what one recovered member of our community, Jessie, had to say about the place she’s in today, and how she’s able to embrace a bank holiday in a manner she once never thought possible:

“Bank holidays always used to feel like they were about other people having the time of their lives, while I stayed a slave to my eating disorder. Of course I wouldn’t go to that barbecue. And of course I wouldn’t want to be out having a picnic with friends. And yes, obviously I would make an excuse about attending that meal with family.

Recovery changed that. Today I make every bank holiday a reason to remind myself that life is so much better without an e.d.

Here’s five ways I spend my bank holiday, safe in the knowledge I’ll ‘never go back’:

1 – Always start the day thankful for choosing recovery, and determined to start with a commitment to myself from the very first moment I get out of bed.

I’m grateful I’m no longer obsessing about food, but equally delighted that I can look forward to a bank holiday breakfast leisurely enjoyed without a second thought (and now shared with my wonderful partner)

2 – I keep my mind open to possibilities and the answer often surprises me.

Before, I would always so no to last minute invitations for bank holidays or feel freaked out by the thought of having to eat with others or create last minute excuses.

While I tend to have a rough plan for a weekend now, I’m always happy for that to change, and I get excited if a last minute meal out is an option.

3 – If I need to rest, I rest.

I no longer feel lazy or slothful or disgusting because I allow myself a day under the duvet or sofa.

I’m proud that I listen to my body and do what is right for me and my wellbeing.

4 – I reflect and remember, without being mournful.

Bank holidays often seem to be a time for me when, whether I’m alone or with someone else, I find myself thinking over times gone by – recent and distant.

I never get melancholy about what’s gone before and what my eating disorder may have lost me, I simply look a head with hope and joy.

5 – I appreciate me for me and for my amazing body and being.

As arrogant as it sounds, I really do appreciate this machine of a body and what it allows me to be and do.

So whether I get dressed on the morning of a bank holiday and at first don’t like my outfit or feel the need to change the colour of my top, I don’t obsess about my shape or my size or feel the need to alter myself. I just feel happy that I chose to let this woman live and be in her prime.