Thank You for 7 Years of 'Surviving ED'

You are about to read the final post I will ever write for this blog, and I want to express a heartfelt "thank you" for seven years of Surviving ED. You came on this journey with me, and I hope we all grew in the process. When I first joined HealthyPlace in 2017, I was a much different person than who I have since become while sharing my milestones and setbacks in eating disorder recovery. To each one of you who consumed these words I wrote, I am so grateful for your presence here.

A Lot Has Changed in 7 Years of 'Surviving ED'

When I became the Surviving ED writer, I had a cynical outlook on life. My marriage was in turmoil. I felt anxious and miserable on a daily basis. I was in an emotional crisis from the aftermath of a sexual assault. Most of all, I could not envision a future in which I might recover from anorexia.

Now, I am someone who chooses the path of healing, no matter how arduous it seems. I am in a thriving relationship with my husband, who makes me feel more loved than I thought was possible. I am fortunate enough to see a therapist, and I have worked through many painful issues that I once assumed were irreconcilable. I also moved across the country from Florida to Arizona, where I unearthed a passion for nature and became part of a community I adore.

This life I have is wildly imperfect—but it's full of depth, laughter, connection, adventure, and hope for what is still to come. I am under no illusions here. I know that unforeseen challenges or unpredictable circumstances might occur at any time. I harbor no expectations that eating disorder recovery will be simple and seamless moving forward. But in these seven years of Surviving ED, I learned that I am more capable and resilient than I used to give myself credit for. 

Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer Says Goodbye and Thank You for Being Part of the 'Surviving ED' Journey 

Much of what I've come to accept and embrace about myself during those past seven years would not have been possible without you. I mean that sincerely—whether or not you realize it, the sheer willingness to read these articles I published was such a meaningful act of kindness on your part. I had a space to be honest, vulnerable, messy, and human. I had an outlet to process emotions, unravel thoughts, ask hard questions, and stumble upon new revelations, all in real time. I felt both safe and seen. Hopefully, I was able to return that favor.  

As I close out this chapter with HealthyPlace and start looking ahead to what comes next, I want you to know that recovery is accessible and so worthwhile. No matter where you're at in the healing journey, please continue to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for seven years of Surviving ED. It has been an honor, and I feel proud of this community we built.