For close to 25 years, I was never able to grow my nails due to the effects of my bulimia & its’ partner in crime – anorexia. I also chewed on my nails & cuticles to the point where they would crack and bleed. About three months ago, I had a horrible day. I was struggling hard, not only with ED, but with my sobriety. I have been sober for almost two and a half years now. I had not felt an urge to act out in every behavior possible like I did at that time. I cried by myself for three hours. All I wanted was to forget – to just be numb. Instead I let myself cry, scream & sob. And in all this madness my sister somewhat saved me by painting my nails. My nails had grown & she pointed out how healthy they looked & how she couldn’t remember a time when I didn’t have nubs for fingers. Painting my nails has become a weekly routine, now a part of my self-care, an aspect I believe a lot of us lose sight of in recovery. It’s these little things that are a daily reminder of where I’ve been and how I continue to put in the hard work to ensure that I never go back. Find Your Voice. Use Your Words. Speak Your Truth. Kelli
