What Master Yoda meant when he said "try not; do or do not, there is no try," is that the trying IS the doing. Trying is an act of courage. Trying is an act of defiance against our bullies & abusers. Nothing happens without trying-- which is why Trauma Brain wants us NOT to try.

The Realistic Recovery newsletter is a free resource that will deliver a non-overwhelming selection of my posts about realistic, sustainable trauma recovery to your inbox twice a week. Free yourself from the algorithm. drdoylesays.beehiiv.com

So, we're putting out the free Use Your Damn Skills newsletter, which will deliver a few of my posts & thoughts about realistic, sustainable trauma & addiction recovery, to your email at least twice a week. Sign up link is at DrDoyleSays.beehiiv.com/

It's never too late, or the wrong time, to jump back into a thing you love & that adds value to your life, but that you needed to take a break from for a minute.

Paradoxically, being kind to ourselves can actually trigger some sadness or anger-- because we're unexpectedly reminded of what we DIDN'T get, from the people from whom we needed it most once upon a time. What's actually getting triggered is grief.

What "they" don't get is that it can take WAY more discipline & courage for someone struggling w/ an eating disorder to actually EAT & REST than to adhere to a restrictive diet & punishing exercise plan. No shame. Your struggle's real, even IF "they" don't get it.

Consider this a reminder that you don't owe anyone an explanation or apology for your body-- and no one who is going to be a realistic & reliable support on your trauma recovery journey is going to demand or expect an explanation or apology for your body.

There is zero shame in developing disordered or struggly eating patterns. The culture frames it as a "choice," but it's so, so much more complicated. We do absolutely have to wrangle & heal our eating-- but we don't need to judge the behaviors or ourselves along the way.