5 Things That Went Well in Your Recovery This Year (That Have Nothing to Do With Your Body)
As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to slip into the habit of measuring progress through numbers, weight, or how your body looks. But recovery isn’t a physical transformation—it’s a life transformation. Some of the most meaningful shifts don’t show up in the mirror at all. They show up in your relationships, your routines, your mental space, and the trust you’re slowly rebuilding with yourself.
Here are five things that may have gone well in your recovery this year that have absolutely nothing to do with your body—and everything to do with your healing. Your body is the least interesting thing about you, and we want to help you focus on that.
1. You strengthened your relationship with food, even in small ways.
Maybe you tried a fear food for the first time in months. Maybe you ate a meal without labeling it “good” or “bad.” Maybe you allowed yourself to enjoy your favorite holiday treat without guilt. These moments matter. They are proof that your brain is learning new patterns, and your relationship with food is becoming more flexible, more compassionate, and more human. Every step you take, no matter how small, moves you towards a full recovery.
2. You showed up for yourself emotionally.
This year, you might have reached out for support, opened up to someone you trust, or admitted when you needed help. Maybe you noticed emotions instead of numbing them—or you let yourself rest without “earning” it. That is massive. Emotional honesty is one of the hardest parts of recovery, and the fact that you practiced it—even once—is a step towards long-term healing.
3. You created boundaries or strengthened your relationships.
Recovery often shifts the people around you. Maybe you made more intentional choices about who you spend time with. Maybe you communicated your needs more clearly. Maybe you let go of relationships that hurt your mental health or deepened connections with people who truly support you. Those relational changes are a quiet—but powerful—sign of growth.
4. You found moments of peace with yourself.
Even if they were brief, you likely had moments this year where your mind felt quieter. Times when you weren’t thinking about food, your body, or the next meal. Maybe you enjoyed a hobby, felt present in a conversation, or laughed without self-criticism creeping in. These moments are often the first glimpses of the freedom recovery can bring.
5. You showed resilience—and you kept going.
Recovery is not linear, and yet here you are. You kept choosing to try, to show up, to get back on track after hard days. You navigated triggers, setbacks, holidays, stress, and everyday life while still making space for healing. Resilience is not about perfection. It’s about persistence—and you demonstrated so much of it this year.
Take a Moment to Reflect
Dive deeper into these ideas and reflect on your year with any (or all) of these gentle journaling prompts:To deepen your awareness, here are a few gentle journaling prompts you can use:
What are five things that went well this year in my recovery that weren’t tied to my body?
Where did I surprise myself in my healing process?
What relationships or routines became more supportive for me this year?
What felt easier—or even slightly more possible—than it did last year?
How do I want to continue supporting myself in the new year?
Use this space to honor your progress. There’s no right or wrong answer—just honesty and compassion. If writing this feels tricky, bring them to your next therapy or dietitian session and work through it with a supportive team member.
As you reflect on your year, remember this:
Your worth is not defined by your body.
Your recovery is not measured by weight, sizes, or shape.
Your progress is living proof of your strength—and it shows up in the way you think, feel, love, cope, and grow.
You did more this year than you realize.
Give yourself permission to acknowledge it, celebrate it, and carry that confidence into the new year.
If You Need Support, You’re Not Alone
If you’re struggling to identify your five wins or you’re feeling overwhelmed heading into the new year, that’s completely okay. Recovery can feel confusing and heavy at times, and having the right support can make all the difference.
Working with a dietitian who understands eating disorder recovery can help you rebuild a trusting relationship with food, find structure that works for you, and move into the new year without the pressure of diet culture. If you’re needing guidance or want individualized support, you can click here to book an appointment with one of our dietitians. We’re here to help you navigate what comes next.
An Invitation to Join Us
Kerry McCarthy, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT, CEDS-C will be leading a special Reflections and Intentions workshop on Monday, December 29 from 5-6pm. This workshop is geared towards people in eating disorder recovery, and will include reflecting on 2025 and setting positive intentions for 2026. Learn more by clicking here and sign up today!