This February, Celebrate Recovery
February: the month of Valentine’s Day, the quintessential Hallmark holiday.
As adults, time to express love and affection through gift-giving, whether to a romantic partner, child, parent, or friend. But as kids, Valentine’s Day was a chance to celebrate with classmates, create personalized Valentine’s boxes, and exchange cards and treats. The Valentine’s Day box was more than just a container—it was a reflection of who we were, a personal work of art, and a way to collect sweet gestures.
As we grow older, that playful and creative spirit often fades, especially when it comes to showing love to ourselves. For those struggling with an eating disorder, practicing self-love, care, and appreciation, can feel like an impossible challenge. But this February, why not create your own recovery box? Set aside some time for this meaningful activity. Not only will it help
support your journey toward healing, but it’s also a way to honor your progress and celebrate every step you take toward embracing your healthy-self.
Create Your Own Recovery Box
Choose a box of any size or shape, make sure there is a spot for an opening or a lid to take on and off.
Take some time to personalize it, making it a reflection of your healthy self. Decorate it with recovery quotes, pictures, lyrics from your favorite songs, stickers, or anything that inspires you—creating a recovery vision box that highlights what you are working towards.
Next, every time you take a step—big or small—toward recovery from an eating disorder, write it down on a piece of paper and place it in the box.
At the end of the month, take some time to reflect on your progress. Read through everything you’ve accomplished and celebrate how far you’ve come. Honor your courage and strength as you continue to build resilience against ED.
Feel free to make this a monthly practice—track your progress, celebrate your victories, and share your successes with others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, take the first step and contact us today.
By Nicholette Rhodes, LPC
Nicholette is a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Hull Institute, where she joined after a year of student experience. She holds a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University and is also a Registered Dietitian, having earned her BA in Applied Science from Youngstown State University. With lived experience of an eating disorder as a college athlete, Nicholette provides individualized, holistic care using person-centered approaches, including motivational interviewing, CBT, and ACT techniques. She is passionate about challenging diet culture and promoting a Health at Every Size philosophy. Outside of work, Nicholette enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing golf, and cooking.