I just came to a huge realisation. I have been writing a book about eating disorder recovery, and in it, I talk about utilising the strengths that are inherent in people with an eating disorder, in more constructive, positive and helpful ways. It takes an in depth look at these strengths and recognises how they can be used for the greater good, rather than being used in simply the perpetuation of an eating disorder. What I just realised that I have overlooked, is not simply the importance of the innate strengths involved in living with an eating disorder, but also the incredible importance of the strengths that are displayed for anyone with any mental illness.
As someone who has battled mental illness for the entirety of my life, I think it is important to take stock on our innate strengths, not just our apparent weaknesses. I forget sometimes just how hard life can be to navigate on a daily basis, when I am not feeling 100% or when I am not feeling a sense of wellness at the optimal level. I am used to life being this way, so yes, I do indeed forget that I (and all of us) have strengths that many other people may not necessarily possess, or at least utilise every single day.
I can say with emphasis, that the act of surviving mental ill-health and navigating life this way, holds within it, many incredible strengths:
Courage. To go out into the world when we know there is an element of struggle. To push ourselves to do things that we know will be difficult, but always worthwhile in the end. To show up, even when we are at our most vulnerable.
Perseverance. To continue even when things are difficult, or not going our way. For simply, not giving in or giving up.
Determination. The energy to continue to look towards things being better, to continue to strive for improvement and wellness, even when it is incredibly tiring.
Resilience. The strength to stand strong even when others may judge us or criticise us on any given moment of any given day. The strength to stand strong when all we want to do is hide away.
Gratitude. We (those of us who have struggled with mental ill-health) often know what it is like to have the rug pulled from under us, in the most incredibly unfair ways. We know struggle, inside and out, and therefore we can be incredibly grateful and appreciative of those days that go to plan, and we can be incredibly grateful and appreciative of the very small things, that most people wouldn’t even acknowledge.
So, when we are having a moment of uncertainty, or when we are having a moment of vulnerability, we must remember that these incredible strengths are something to be very proud of, and we must lean into them. We must remember also that these strengths can be utilised in many other ways. In my work, I endeavour to use all of these strengths. And I also have a great motivation to remind others of their inherent strengths, so they too, can lean into them and be proud of them. We are not simply flawed, we are not simply defective… we are strong, and we can be an unstoppable force, when these strengths are utilised in the right way, every single moment of every single day.
What I envision, moving forward, in my work particularly, is help others who experience mental ill-health, to see things through the lens of their incredible strengths, and to look at the endless possibilities of how they can further utilise these incredible strengths. We must remember that we are not simply lacking. We have an abundance of positive traits right at our fingertips.
Start to feel empowered by seeing your strength and innate power. Don’t be disempowered by listening to others in society who don’t understand or empathise. There are two sides of the coin. We can choose the better side…the healthier side… stay strong… keep showing up… and be proud to be living in the way that you are, even when things aren’t easy.
Stay strong and remember your power.
Kate's Niche 