A New Way of Thinking
Happy new year to you! I’ve noticed that the new year tends to bring new “stuff” with it. Perhaps you have recently received some new items as gifts. For students, a new school semester is here. For those of you who are parents of young children, you may have a few new toys in your home. Well, I’d like to add one more new thing to your new year: a new way of thinking. How about some new thoughts to go with the new year?
Recovery requires a consistent effort to change old thoughts into new. Many of you have told me that changing the way you think is actually much harder than changing the way you act. To stay in recovery, you need to do the right thing, even when you don’t feel like it. At times, your actions are keeping you in recovery, but the mental battle remains. The eating disorder thoughts feel strong and you may grow weary, wondering when the “ED thoughts” will go away.
Be assured that with time, the eating disorder thoughts do go away. As you continue to do the right thing and focus on recovery, the recovery thoughts begin to win the mental battle. However, you can help strengthen your recovery by actively working to change old thoughts into new thoughts. One way to do this is to use the skill of “Catch It, Challenge It, Change It”. You may have learned this skill while at Remuda, but here’s a quick review of how it works: First, catch the old thought when it creeps into your mind. Don’t allow yourself time to dwell on the old, unhealthy thought. Next, challenge the old thought by interrupting it or by behaving in a way that challenges it. Finally, change the thought by replacing it with a truthful statement or positive thought. You can also help yourself develop a new way of thinking by using positive thoughts when faced with a recovery challenge. Thoughts such as “I can stand this” or “I will get through this” can make a big difference when you are faced with a trigger.
Every time you make an effort to change a negative thought into a positive one, you move forward in your recovery. And with consistent efforts, many of your old thoughts will give way to new ones. God’s word tells us that we will reap what we sow. If you sow thoughts of recovery and then persistently cultivate those thoughts, you will reap victories in recovery! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Sowing positive thoughts will renew your mind and bring a new energy to your recovery!
I’m always interested in hearing about the thoughts you are having in your recovery journey. You can reach me at 1-800-445-1900, extension 4541. Or, send a note to me at
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. May God bless you this year!
By JuLynn Ravenscraft, MC
