Finding Hope in Recovery: From Barely Surviving to Fully Alive

When "Good Enough" Isn't Really Good Enough Anymore

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I mean, things are fine... I'm managing... it's not that bad"—while deep down, you know you're clinging to control like a lifeline because you’re too afraid of what might happen if you let go?

If you just nodded your head (or felt a little seen 🙋‍♀️), friend, you’re in the right place.

Because here’s the truth: You weren’t created just to survive.

You were created to THRIVE—like, abundantly, joyfully, whole-heartedly thrive. And while that probably sounds really sweet and inspiring, I know firsthand that actually believing it? That’s a whole different story when you’re in the thick of it. Especially when you’re staring down a recovery journey that feels like a hot mess of fear, shame, and "what ifs."

But oh, sweet friend—there is hope. And I want to walk with you as we unpack what it means to find it, even when it feels far away.

Why Hope Feels So Hard to Hold Onto in Eating Disorder Recovery

Let’s get real for a sec.

For so many Christian women I work with (and honestly, for myself too), there’s this strange tug-of-war between control and surrender. You’ve built a life that looks pretty good from the outside—maybe even successful, picture-perfect to most people. You’ve got a husband, a home full of kiddos, a good job, a supportive church family... and yet, this inner struggle with food, your body, and your worth is like a constant background hum.

Sometimes loud. Sometimes quiet. But always there.

It’s comfortable in a weird way. Predictable. The food rules, the scale checks, the anxious thoughts—they create this false sense of safety. You know what to expect.

And that’s what makes hope feel so scary.

Because hoping for more means admitting that "managing it" isn’t actually working. It means daring to believe there’s something better out there... and risking disappointment if there’s not.

But you know what? Even Jesus had to face the pain before the resurrection. And sister, you don’t have to do this alone.

Finding the Courage to Hope for Something More

Skylar, one of my former clients, described it this way:

"I was so afraid of hoping for something better. Because what if it didn’t live up to my expectations? What if it was hard? What if I looked weak for choosing a different path?"

Ugh. I felt that. 😩

Maybe you do too.

But let me gently remind you—hope isn’t weakness. It’s courage.

It takes guts to believe that freedom is possible when your brain is telling you otherwise. That’s why Scripture constantly points us back to hope as an anchor for our soul (Hebrews 6:19). Not a flimsy daydream, but a solid foundation rooted in Christ.

And when we cling to Him instead of control, that’s when things start to shift. Not overnight. Not without mess. But with meaning.

When Freedom Feels Scary: Why Letting Go Is So Dang Hard

Can I let you in on a secret?

One of the most common fears I hear from women in recovery is the double-edged sword of help.

Like, what if I reach out and they say, “Yeah, just keep doing what you’re doing” (😱), and now I have to be even more perfect? But also, what if they say, “Girl, this isn’t healthy,” and now I have to give up what’s been holding me together?

Yikes. Either way, it feels like a lose-lose.

But here’s the plot twist: Neither of those paths will bring the freedom you’re actually longing for. The freedom to:

• Eat without guilt 😌
• Stop obsessing over every calorie 😩
• Wear the jeans and smile at yourself in the mirror 😍
• Worship Jesus without your thoughts getting hijacked by body shame 🙏

Friend, that’s not too much to ask for. That’s what you were made for.

The Root Issues Beneath the Surface

Isabel, another beautiful soul I worked with, shared this powerful truth:

"Until I realized there were roots to this, I never found full freedom. I could get physically recovered, but I was still believing so many lies."

Oh man... isn’t that the truth?

Eating disorders and disordered eating are rarely just about food. They’re often deeply rooted in emotional pain, perfectionism, trauma, unmet expectations, people-pleasing—you name it. And if you don’t address those things? Relapse creeps in like an old frenemy.

But when you do the deeper work—when you start to uncover those roots and surrender them to Jesus—you start to experience the kind of healing that lasts. And yes, it’s hard. It’s painful. But it’s also the most worth-it thing you’ll ever do.

From Barely Hanging On to Fully Awake

Skylar put it beautifully when she said:

"A year ago, I was barely hanging on. But recovery has given me my life back. I’m fully awake now. I’m excited about my future because I know God holds it."

If that doesn’t make you tear up a little, check your pulse, friend. Because THAT is the beauty of true recovery—not just from food issues, but from a life half-lived.

And I want that for you.

You’re not too broken. You’re not too far gone. And even if you’ve tried before and "failed," I promise—hope isn’t lost.

Jesus is in the business of restoration. It’s kinda His thing. 😉

Take the Next Step Toward Freedom

If you’re sitting there thinking, "Okay Brittany, I want that kind of transformation... but I have no idea where to start"—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My Joy-Filled Eater LIVE coaching program is designed specifically for Christian women like you who want:

• Freedom from constant food and body thoughts
• A Christ-centered approach to healing
• Personalized support and accountability
• A practical, step-by-step roadmap to food peace

And YES, we’re currently enrolling! 🙌 Applications are open through May 19th, so don’t wait.

👉 Join us inside The Joy-Filled Eater LIVE here.

Still not sure if it’s the right fit? Come say hi on Instagram and shoot me your questions in a DM @brittanybraswellrd. I’d love to help you find the next best step.

In Case You Need This Reminder...

You were not created for a life of "barely making it."

You were created for joy, for freedom, and for a deep connection with your Creator that isn’t constantly interrupted by guilt over what you ate or how your body looks.

Hope is not naïve. It’s not silly. It’s biblical.

And it just might be the bravest thing you choose to hold onto today.

So take that first step. Dare to believe. And know I’m cheering you on every single step of the way. 💛

Want more weekly encouragement, scripture, and recovery tips? Subscribe to the Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast and never miss a dose of hope.

Until next time, friend... may you be filled with joy and abound in hope.

With grace,
Brittany Braswell, MS, RDN, LD