ERC Recovery Letter to Those Still Fighting: Look to the Light

By: Executive Director, Christie Dondero Bettwy

I remember the moment when I realized I had an eating disorder. I had stumbled upon a course for people with eating disorders at a local church, and told myself I was only going to figure out how to lose more weight.

Sitting there on the first night, the scales fell off of my eyes for the first time, and I realized I needed help.

That was one of the scariest moments of my life, but also one of the most empowering ones.

It was the first time that I felt like there was a light on my path guiding me in another direction. Day after day on my recovery journey, I looked to see what step was illuminated, and I did the next right thing.

I called a therapist. I confided in my family. I told a few friends who I knew could support me. I ate the meal. I skipped the gym. I cried. I prayed. I hoped. I started to believe that my life could be different, and eventually, it was.

there is a NEEDTOBREATHE song that I fell in love with, many years after my own recovery, that rings true for my own journey to freedom.

Yeah in this wasteland where I'm livin'

There is a crack in the door filled with light

And it's all that I need to get by

Yeah in this wasteland where I'm livin'

There is a crack in the door filled with light

And it's all that I need to shine

If you are still hiding or running from recovery, come out of the darkness. Take your next step toward the light.

If you are on the (seemingly) shaky path of recovery, unsure of your what to do next, take your next step toward the light.

You are not alone. You are not too much. You are not too little. You are loved.

There is a light that shines in the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it. Take your next step toward it. You still shine.