Recover from Relapses Guide Text Copyright 2016 Laurie Glass All Rights Reserved No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the author. This e-book is not a substitute for professional help. It is not for the diagnosis or treatment of an eating disorder. All Scripture is taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Table of Contents Perspective on Slips and Relapses Bible Verses Quotes Prayer Worksheet Endnotes About the Author
Perspective on Slips and Relapses May this guide help you learn from slips and relapses and give you inspiration and strength to get back up and move forward. It contains support and tools to help you do just that. First, I want to encourage you to examine your perspective about slips and relapses. Having been through it, I understand how disheartening they can be. On the other hand, they don t have to keep the hold on you that they have had in the past. You can learn to look at them differently to diffuse their influence on you going forward. Below are some things to keep in mind. 1. "Be mindful that if a trigger gets the best of you and you slip, that doesn t mean you can t recover. Refrain from "all or nothing" thinking. For example, if you get off track in the morning, that doesn t mean the whole day is a failure. It means you got off track early in the day. That s all. You don t have to keep reverting to eating disorder behaviors for the rest of the day just because you slipped in the morning. Just because you struggled for a time in the day doesn t mean you can t get back on track for the rest of the day. Each minute is a new one. 2. "A setback doesn't define your recovery. Try your best not to give it that kind of power. Reverting back to old behaviors doesn't mean you'll never break free, you've lost whatever ground you've gained, or you've failed. No! Every step forward you took to that point is still evidence of your hard work and your growth. Apply what you learn from the relapse to help you emerge from it even stronger than before. 3. "Change your perspective on your triggers. You don t have to fear them. Instead you can look at them as opportunities to refocus your attention on the Lord and invite and experience God s power in your recovery. Think of it as a prompt to turn to the Lord instead of the eating disorder. 4. "Imagine placing your relapse in God s hands, a place where you no longer have to ruminate on it. You don t need to keep dragging it around with you. Carry what you learned from it, but leave the rest behind. 5. "Celebrate that there s no limit on how many times you can get back up, return to healthy choices, or renew your resolve to recover." 1
I hope these suggestions will help you change your perspective about slips and relapses so you can squelch their influence on you. Next, I hope you ll be inspired by the following sections containing Bible verses, quotes, and a prayer. Then, use the worksheet at the end of this guide whenever you need to. It includes some key questions to ask yourself to help you understand what caused the slip or relapse and strengthen you to get back on track.
Bible Verses "So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." Psalm 143:4-6 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Mark 14:38 "But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13b " After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to obtain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 2
Quotes "Once you've learned what you can from your relapse, put it behind you. Leave your relapse in God's hands, turn your back on it, and walk away lighter. "Please try to remember that even if you slip in your recovery today, that doesn't mean you can't turn things around and still have some success in your day. You don't have to wait until tomorrow to get back on track. Every minute is a new one and an opportunity to turn to what is true, healthy, and positive. "Remember that slips and falls are all part of the recovery process. They don't mean you haven't tried, and they don't mean you can't recover. Pray for understanding to learn from what happened and for strength and wisdom to grow and move forward." 3
Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I find it so hard to stay on track in my recovery. I need your help. When I'm on the verge of a relapse, please give me insight so I don't fall. When I'm in the midst of a relapse, please give me motivation and strength to pull out of it. After a relapse, please help me to learn from it and then put it behind me. I open my heart to your work in my recovery. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 4
Worksheet Answer the following questions to help you learn what caused your slip or relapse and to prepare for the next challenge. What were the circumstances when I slipped? What were my thoughts at the time? What were my emotions at the time? Will I stay down or get back up? What can I learn from what happened? How can I prepare for the next time I'm challenged in a similar way? How can I lean on God's strength to help me face the temptation to revert to eating disorder behaviors? For more help on this topic, see the "Deal with Relapses" lesson of the Christian Eating Disorder Recovery Course by Laurie Glass at Freedom from Eating Disorders, freedomfromed.com.
Endnotes 1 Laurie Glass, Deal with Relapses, Christian Eating Disorder Recovery Course, 2015. 2 Laurie Glass, Bible Verses for Eating Disorder Recovery, 2014. 3 Laurie Glass, Quotes for Eating Disorder Recovery, 2015. 4 Laurie Glass, Inspiration for Eating Disorder Recovery, 2015.
About the Author Laurie Glass has a Master's Degree in Christian Counseling. She recovered from anorexia in 2003 and has counseled and supported others with eating disorders ever since. She understands the ups and downs of the recovery process. Based on what she has learned and experienced, she is passionate about creating resources to help others find freedom from their own eating disorders. These include: Christian Eating Disorder Recovery Course Eating Disorder Recovery Note Cards Journey to Freedom from Eating Disorders Bible Verses for Eating Disorder Recovery Quotes for Eating Disorder Recovery Inspiration for Eating Disorder Recovery Journaling in Eating Disorder Recovery A Picture of His Grace - My Anorexia Recovery Story In addition to these writings, she has also had several poems and articles published in both print and online publications. In addition, she was quoted in the April 2012 issue of Women's Health Magazine in an article entitled The Scary Rise of Adult Eating Disorders. To find out more about Laurie and what she has to offer, visit Freedom from Eating Disorders. There s a lot there, so Laurie encourages people to visit often and find what speaks to them for the day. For encouragement and inspiration for your recovery, you can connect with Laurie on Facebook and follow her on Pinterest. You can also subscribe to her YouTube and GodTube channels.