#126: This Sh*t Is Hard: Is Recovery Even Worth It?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com NOTE: This is a free preview of a bonus episode. You can hear the full episode on Substack if you're a paid subscriber. The podcast audio will say Patreon for the paid content, but we’ve moved to Substack! In this special bonus episode, Abbie and her husband talk through a listener question about healing and recovery, and whether all the hardship -- including divesting from diet culture in a world that is still very much steeped in diet culture -- is even worth it. Tune in as they discuss the similarities between eating disorder and addiction recovery journeys, the importance of community in both, and why we need to sit in the sucky parts before we can experience the benefits of choosing to let our coping mechanisms go. Here is the listener question that was submitted (originally on Patreon): Hi Abbie, I’ve been recovering from decades of dieting and disordered eating. I’m completely on board with doing this work for myself, for my kids. I recognize now - many thanks to you - how much of my life has been wasted on trying to control my body. But I'm struggling, and many days I have these thoughts of: is this harder than just continuing to diet and restrict? I'm uncomfortable, I feel stressed and anxious, and it’s hard to cope with the body changes. I just feel defeated in many ways. I know I don’t want to go back, but at the same time, healing is feeling so hard. I am hoping you’ll have some advice for where to go from here. Your podcast has meant so much to me and my daughter. Thank you. Alex Some of the topics covered include: Short term versus long term discomfort Insights from sobriety Validating our pain and struggles Understanding what's beneath our coping The fears and anxieties that lead us to rely on behaviors that ultimately do not serve us How we can feel more assured in the short-term that our perseverance will be worth it The ways we seek love and belonging And so much more! Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack . Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching Group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate