Her Best Self: Freedom from Disordered Eating, Body Obsession & Perfectionism

• EP 257: Cozy, Not Lazy ~ Why Rest is Revolutionary in Eating Disorder Recovery + What "Wintering" Teaches Us

  What if rest isn't laziness—it's wisdom? What if slowing down isn't a setback—it's the most revolutionary thing you can do in recovery? In this episode, we're diving into the concept of "wintering"—the intentional act of stepping back, slowing down, and allowing yourself to rest and recharge, just like nature does.  If you're in eating disorder recovery, this might feel like an absolute riot. Because your ED has convinced you that rest is weakness, that comfort must be earned, and that slowing down means you're flawed. But sis, it's time to dismantle those lies. Winter is the season of recovery. It's preparation time. It's when the earth takes what it needs so that spring can even happen. And you? You're allowed to do the same. In this episode, you'll discover: What "wintering" really means and why it's essential for recovery Why the eating disorder makes you feel bad about comfort (and why that's a lie) How to reframe rest as "cozy" instead of "lazy" Why your body knows exactly what it needs—and how to start listening The beautiful truth about finding your own spark in the gray season How winter's silence gives you the choice to finally hear yourself If you've been running on empty, pushing through exhaustion, or feeling guilty every time you slow down—this episode is your permission slip. Rest is not laziness. Rest is natural. And you deserve it. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "You are allowed comfort. You are allowed to wrap yourself in a soft blanket. To eat warm, nourishing food. To sleep in. To say no. To take up space without earning it." 💛 "What if wintering isn't lazy—it's cozy? What if it's not weakness—it's wisdom? What if rest isn't a setback—it's natural?" 💛 "If plants and the earth are resting, so can you. The trees aren't apologizing for losing their leaves. The ground isn't hustling through winter. Nature understands that rest is not optional; it's essential." 💛 "Winter is the slow-down, the search for self. It's the pause that says, 'Who am I when I'm not running? Who am I when I stop proving? Who am I when I just... am?'" 💛 "This is not laziness. This is survival. This is healing. This is how you prepare for your spring." IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE: ✨ The concept of "wintering" and why it matters in eating disorder recovery ✨ How the ED voice makes rest feel impossible—and how to challenge it ✨ Why comfort is not something you have to earn ✨ The difference between "cozy" and "lazy" (spoiler: rest is natural, not flawed) ✨ How your body already knows what it needs—you just have to listen ✨ Why winter's gray helps you see your own color and spark ✨ The gift of silence and choosing to listen to yourself ✨ How to give yourself permission to rest without guilt or shame Ready to Get Support for the New Year Ahead? You don't have to winter alone. Recovery Collective: Group support program with 2x monthly coaching calls and community chat~ www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  One-on-One Coaching: Personalized support to help you discover your true identity and walk in freedom. Learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co Connect with Lindsey Nichol: Website: www.herbestself.co Apply for Coaching: www.herbestself.co Instagram: @thelindseynichol  Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Share This Episode: Know someone who desperately needs to rest and give herself grace but refuses to "winter"? I'd love for you to share this one. +If this shifted something in you, please: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Share on social media and tag @thelindseynichol Screenshot your favorite quote and post it Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you—please subscribe to Her Best Self wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review. Your reviews help other women who are tired of perfectionism and living trapped in their mind and body find this show and realize they're not alone. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth! About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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• EP 256: Press Play When Anxious▶️~ 3 Guided Meditations to Calm Pre-Meal Panic + Body Image Struggles in ED Recovery

  Sis, this season can be all the chaos. It's time you be present with yourself, take a step back, allow yourself rest, peace, and grace. Friend, you owe you. This episode is DIFFERENT. This isn't just host Lindsey Nichol talking - it's Lindsey GUIDING you through 3 calming meditations specifically designed for your recovery journey. Save this episode. Bookmark it. Come back to it whenever you need it. This time of year, anyone can feel overwhelmed by holiday chaos. But for someone with an eating disorder, the anxiety can be crippling. Pre-meal panic. Body image triggers. Overwhelming thoughts that feel impossible to quiet. Lindsey has walked this path. She knows how overwhelming those thoughts and feelings get, especially during the holidays. That's why she created these simple, powerful meditations to be your companion whenever you need to: Calm pre-meal anxiety before eating with family Ground yourself during a body image crisis Show yourself compassion on the hardest days Whether you're struggling with pre-meal anxiety, having a hard day with your body image, or just need a moment to ground yourself - press play on this episode. Come back to this episode when you're feeling overwhelmed, when you're feeling not enough, and when that anxiety feels like it's on overdrive. The 3 Guided Meditations: Meditation #1: Pre-Meal Calming Meditation (For Anxiety Before Eating) When to use this: Before lunch or dinner when anxiety feels highest When sitting down with family for meals When you feel panic rising about food choices When the ED voice is loudest before eating What Lindsey guides you through: Finding comfortable seated position Gentle breathing to become present Noticing thoughts like clouds passing in the sky Hand-on-heart, hand-on-belly grounding Affirmations: "I give my body permission to be nourished" "I choose to feed my body with compassion" "Food is my medicine. This is a good thing" "This is one step in my recovery journey" Breathing mantras: "I am stronger than the eating disorder voice" "I have the wisdom to nourish my body" "I am more than my body" Duration: ~5 minutes Key truth: These quiet moments of connection with yourself are powerful. This helps you separate from the ED voice and reconnect with your TRUE self. Meditation #2: Body Image Grounding Meditation (For Body Hate Days) When to use this: When you're having a hard body image day When "feeling fat" is overwhelming When critical thoughts about your body won't stop When you need to reconnect with gratitude for your body Important reminder: "Feeling fat" isn't actually a feeling - it's often your body's way of telling you something else is going on emotionally. What Lindsey guides you through: Comfortable position (seated or lying down) Noticing where your body contacts the ground (grounding) Body scan from feet to head with gentle awareness: Feet: Connecting to the ground, wiggling toes Legs: Getting stronger, supporting you Core/Stomach: Your true strength, your center (not to be micromanaged) Chest: Rising and falling with each breath Arms/Hands: Tools to express love, create amazing things Head: Houses thoughts AND dreams, desires, wishes Acknowledging judgmental thoughts without judgment Thanking your body for what it allows you to do Self-hug + gratitude: "Thank you for allowing me to walk, breathe, be grounded" Key practice: When critical thoughts arise, simply say "I notice I'm having a judgmental thought," then return to observing with curiosity. Duration: ~7 minutes Key truth: Your body is not your enemy. It's not up for negotiation. It's your HOME - where you live. Meditation #3: Self-Compassion Meditation (For Suffering + Hard Moments) When to use this: When you're feeling overwhelmed When you don't honor or love yourself When you don't know where to turn next When you need to be as kind to yourself as you'd be to a friend What Lindsey guides you through: Thinking of a recent challenge in recovery Noticing emotions and physical sensations Hand over heart, feeling steady heartbeat Affirmations: "This is a moment of suffering" "Suffering will pass - it's part of life and recovery" "I can be kind to myself in this process" Imagining a friend facing the same challenges Asking: "What would I say to them? How would I support them?" Offering yourself that same grace: "I'm doing the best I can" "Recovery takes time" "I'm worthy of patience and understanding" Key practice: You deserve the same kindness you'd offer your friend, mom, or sister. Duration: ~5 minutes Key truth: Your ED voice may be loud this season, but it doesn't have to control you or your actions. Key Reminders Throughout: Thoughts Are Like Clouds: They can come in (like your breath) and flow out (like your exhale) without you grabbing onto them. Your Truth: These thoughts can pass like clouds in the sky You are MORE than these thoughts This voice is NOT your truth You can choose recovery in this exact moment Your worth will NEVER be determined by food or weight You are SAFE here For Beginners: This isn't about doing it perfectly. It's about giving yourself permission and the gift of being present and compassionate. How to Use This Episode: Save it. Bookmark it. Add it to a playlist. Press play: Before meals when anxiety rises During body image struggles On overwhelmingly hard days Whenever you need grounding Come back often: These meditations get easier with regular practice. Each time you return to this episode, you're strengthening your recovery toolkit. Pause anytime: Lindsey guides you through, then gives you space to practice on your own. Feel free to pause and extend any meditation as long as you need. Powerful Truths from This Episode: "Since your body, it is worthy of nourishment" "These thoughts are like clouds passing in the sky - they can come in and go out without you grabbing onto them" "Your body is not your enemy. It's your home. It's where you live" "Feeling fat isn't actually a feeling - it's often your body's way of telling you something else is going on emotionally" "Your core is your true strength, your center - it's not to be micromanaged" "You deserve the same kindness you would offer to your friend" "Your eating disorder voice may be loud, but it doesn't have to control you" "Recovery isn't about perfection - it's about progress" "These quiet moments of connection are so powerful" Why These Meditations Work: They're Specific to ED Recovery: Not generic mindfulness - these address pre-meal panic, body image, and self-compassion specific to eating disorder struggles. They're Quick: 5-7 minutes each. You can do them anywhere, anytime. They're Guided: Lindsey walks you through every step. No meditation experience needed. They're Repeatable: Come back to this episode again and again. Build these into your recovery routine. They Separate You From the ED Voice: These practices help you recognize that the ED thoughts are NOT you - they're just thoughts passing through. Your Recovery Toolbox: These meditations are TOOLS in your recovery toolbox. Use them whenever you need extra support. Before meals → Meditation #1 Body image crisis → Meditation #2 Hard day/overwhelm → Meditation #3 Remember: You are stronger than you know. You don't have to do this alone. Ready for More Support? If you're looking for an extra hand guiding you along the way from somebody who has been there, who has recovered - not just a therapist, but a COACH who has recovered - Lindsey offers: Recovery Collective Group support with other women on the recovery journey. Community that understands: www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  One-on-One Recovery Coaching Personalized guidance from someone who's walked this path and found freedom. Learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co Connect with Lindsey Nichol: Website: www.herbestself.co Apply for Coaching: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13WDpvmQNoVvAytBdqM72FIp1AqXMfSFrqzQVvBWrwHY/edit  Email: [email protected] Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society - www.herbestselfsociety.com  Instagram: @thelindseynichol How to Support This Show: If you found value in today's episode: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (this helps us reach more women!) Share this episode with someone who needs these meditations Save/bookmark this episode to come back to Join the Her Best Self Facebook community Your reviews truly help us keep showing up week after week with recovery truth and awareness. Share This Episode: Know someone struggling with pre-meal anxiety or body image? Send them this episode. It's a gift they can use again and again. How to share: "Press play on this when you're anxious before meals" "Saved this meditation episode for you" "This helped me calm down - thought you might need it too" Remember, Friend: You are stronger than you know. You do not have to do this alone. Recovery isn't about perfection - it's about progress. And that means showing up for yourself one moment, one breath at a time. About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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• EP 255.5: 11 Recovery Wins That Have Nothing to Do with the Scale (Celebrate Your Small Victories)🎉

  Sister, friend, we've got to celebrate all that you're accomplishing in eating disorder recovery. And one of those accomplishments? Maybe you're listening to today's show and starting to recognize this is a problem in your life. Celebrate that win. Your life has been measured around LESS. Less food, less weight, less energy. You're more successful by being less, running on less, weighing less, consuming less. But today, we're celebrating victories that have nothing to do with the scale. Host Lindsey Nichol shares 11 recovery wins to celebrate that measure MORE goodness in your life - not lack, not weighing less, not being less. Because girlfriend, you're gaining so much more than the weight you're terrified to gain. This process of recovery, of letting yourself BE (not letting yourself go, but surrendering to who you truly are inside) - that's what we're celebrating today. Stop measuring your worth by a number. Start celebrating these wins. The 11 Recovery Wins to Celebrate: Win #1: When You Eat MORE Celebrate: That snack. Adding nuts to your oatmeal. Adding something versus restricting. Truth: When you eat more, you think bigger. Your mind uses fuel to function. Action: Add one extra thing today - more protein, more than coffee for breakfast, something. Win #2: When You Challenge THAT Thought The thought: "You shouldn't have had that. Now you have to wait until dinner. You need to run an extra hour." Celebrate: When you sit that thought down and tell it to shut up. Truth: "Not today. I'm not running 45 minutes because I had carbs. I'm taking a walk and nourishing my body." Win #3: When You Face a Fear Food Not: Going from nothing to 50 donuts (that's not what we're doing). Celebrate: Integrating something that's been a struggle. Breaking a rigid rule. Examples: Having cashews at dinner when you only "allowed" almonds at breakfast. Two tablespoons of peanut butter instead of one. Action: Try something outside your normal rigid routine. Eat at a different time. Try a new snack. Get conscious with your eating. Win #4: When You Get Intuitive and Reflect Celebrate: Journaling. Getting present with your feelings. Truth: "Today sucks. I don't want to gain weight. I'm feeling heavy. I'm not sure I'm all in. I'm going to let these feelings in, sit with them, and move on." Remember: We cannot heal what we cannot feel. Win #5: When You Exercise for Enjoyment (Or Don't Exercise at All) Celebrate: Moving your body for FUN, not punishment. Examples: Taking a walk just to reflect. Going to yoga to try something new. Skipping exercise to REST. Truth: No one said you weren't allowed. Grant yourself permission. Win #6: When You Want STRENGTH Over Skinny The shift: Wanting to feel STRONGER versus wanting to be skinnier. Celebrate: When you're putting yourself first, nourishing your body, starting to believe in the process. Truth: You're going to feel liberated, clearer minded, STRONGER. That's winning. Win #7: When You Go Out to Dinner Without Anxiety Not overnight: You don't go from making excuses to avoid restaurants to enjoying dinner stress-free immediately. Celebrate: When you can be PRESENT in the moment. When you hear the nasty thoughts and say "Not for these 45 minutes." Win: Saying yes to events instead of isolating. Win #8: When You Get OFF the Scale The game changer: No longer allowing the scale to define your worthiness. Truth: Not looking at the number to define what you can eat today or what you have to restrict tomorrow. Celebrate: If you're not weighing yourself every second and you're starting to lay that down - that's MASSIVE. Win #9: When You Notice More Energy and Better Sleep Celebrate: Having more brain function. Getting clearer, more sound sleep. Truth: Your body's not running on SILENCE anymore. Things underneath are working properly because you're nourishing yourself. Notice: Different energy spikes after eating. Give yourself props for this. Win #10: When You Let Go of Shame and Guilt After Meals Celebrate: "I gave myself permission to eat something I normally don't eat. I'm on this pathway to recovery. I know I'm fearful, but I'm creating a healthier place for me." Action: Set down the shame. Ask yourself: "What do I need to do right now to not let this consume me?" Win: That's MASSIVE. Celebrate that victory. Win #11: When You Get SUPPORT and Commit The biggest win: Acknowledging you need help and support. Truth: You weren't meant to do this alone. You just weren't. Question: Wouldn't you want help from somebody who's been there? Wouldn't you want to fast-track the process instead of struggling longer? Key Takeaways: ✨ Your life has been measured by LESS - recovery is measured by MORE ✨ Eating disorders become a game - the more successful at restriction, the more achievement we feel ✨ We need to measure with a NEW measuring stick - small victories ✨ When you eat more, you think bigger - your mind needs fuel ✨ Challenge the thought - sit it down and tell it to shut up ✨ We cannot heal what we cannot feel - sit in the discomfort ✨ Want STRENGTH over SKINNY - that's the breaking point toward triumph ✨ Getting off the scale is where the game changes ✨ Recovery takes time - celebrate the small wins in the messy middle ✨ Every single thing against negative behaviors needs to be PRAISED Powerful Quotes: "Your life is measured around success of LACK. Your life is measured off of having less" "Eating disorders become a game - the more successful we are at restriction and manipulation, the more personal achievement we have" "We are not measuring lack. We are measuring the small wins creating more goodness in our life" "You are gaining so much more than weight that you're terrified to gain" "When you eat more, you think bigger" "We cannot heal what we cannot feel" "Celebrate wanting to feel STRONGER versus wanting to be skinnier" "Recovery takes time. Sometimes you live in this messy middle place where it feels hard, it feels mundane" "Your success is a series of small victories and small wins" "The first and greatest victory is to conquer you" - Plato "Today is your opportunity to create the tomorrow that you want" Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters: The Perfectionist Trap: Living in black and white thinking makes it hard to find wins because we measure against an unrealistic stick. But counting each win grants compassion and grace to create momentum. The Messy Middle: Recovery isn't linear. You slip backwards, move forwards, slip backwards again. You throw your hands up and wonder "Was I really that miserable before?" THIS is where measuring small victories matters most. The Scale Obsession: When you've been chained, obsessed, and addicted to taking personal worth inventory over the scale, it's hard to measure differently. But we MUST celebrate victories that have nothing to do with that number. The Truth: Every single thing you do against negative behaviors keeping you stuck is something that needs to be PRAISED. This creates the momentum you need to keep going. If You're Not There Yet: Listen: If you're thinking "I want to celebrate recovery wins but I'm not in recovery yet" - STOP. Celebrate THIS: You're listening to this podcast. You're not here by accident. You're not searching for the new craze diet. You're here because you know something is going on. You're tired of this struggle. Praise that. Hold that close to your heart. You were brought here for a reason. The reason? It has more to do than just experiencing freedom from food controlling your life. When you start finding your purpose because you have more brain capacity, because you're nourishing yourself, because you're finally LIVING - that's where life lives. That's where you're supposed to be. Ready to Stop Doing This Alone? You weren't meant to do recovery by yourself. Wouldn't you want help and support from somebody who's been there? Wouldn't you want to fast-track the process instead of struggling longer? Recovery Collective Group support program with accountability outside of yourself. Bi-weekly coaching calls, supportive community, and the focus and action you need to get from one place to the other. One-on-One Recovery Coaching Personalized support to help you celebrate these wins and create more of them. We literally walk over the bridge together - from where you are to where you want to be. Why it matters: Accountability is a MUST. Recovery coaching is an extra layer to your care team that's going to get you THRIVING. Learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co Connect with Lindsey Nichol: Website: www.herbestself.co Apply for Support: www.herbestself.co Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Instagram: @thelindseynichol Your Challenge: Pick ONE of these 11 wins and celebrate it today. Then come share it in the Her Best Self Facebook community. We want to celebrate WITH you. Remember: Simple, still moments bring the most peace, clarity, and confirmation for your success. Your success is a series of small victories and small wins. Share This Episode: Know someone who needs to celebrate recovery wins beyond the scale? Send them this episode. If this touched your heart today, please: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Share on social media and tag @thelindseynichol Screenshot your favorite win and post it Join the Facebook community and celebrate your wins with us Remember, Friend: "The first and greatest victory is to conquer you." - Plato Start believing in YOU. Start believing this is possible for you. Look around and believe you're worthy of it - because you are. Celebrate your small wins that have absolutely nothing to do with the measurement of a scale. Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you—please subscribe to Her Best Self wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review. Your reviews help other women who are tired of perfectionism and living trapped in their mind and body find this show and realize they're not alone. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth! About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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• EP 255: Sis, Stop Identifying as Disordered! You're Not a Number, a Diagnosis, or a Label ~ Get Rooted in the RIGHT Identity for the New Year

  Girlfriend, if you want freedom from your eating disorder in the new year, you can't keep identifying AS the eating disorder. In this powerful new episode, host Lindsey Nichol gets vulnerable about being defined by labels - the number on the clothing tag, the OSFED diagnosis that made her feel "not sick enough," then the anorexia diagnosis that felt like she'd "earned" being officially sick. She shares the moment she realized the energy it took to be everyone's label was debilitating - and how everything changed when she stopped identifying as disordered and started living from her TRUE identity. Here's the truth: If you are defined by your labels, you're also confined by your labels. And no label - no matter how authoritative, no diagnosis, no number, no title - can contain the full perspective and constellation of who you might become. You are NOT your eating disorder. You are NOT your diagnosis. You are NOT the number on the tag. You are a saint. An heir. A daughter of the Most High. Royalty. This episode will shift how you see yourself and give you a tangible exercise to discover your true identity as we head into a new year. What You'll Learn: The Label Trap Arianna Huffington's truth: No label can contain who you might become How the ED voice defines you by WHAT you have/do, never WHO you are Why being defined by labels means you're also confused by them Lindsey's Vulnerable Label Story Obsessed with the number on clothing tags OSFED diagnosis: feeling "not sick enough" Anorexia diagnosis: feeling "officially sick" The shift: When being someone else's label became debilitating Realizing she wasn't designed to be a label - she was designed to be HER The Labels Keeping You Stuck "Anorexic," "bulimic," "the girl with the eating disorder" "The fit one," "the vegan," "the one on a diet" "Perfectionist," "people pleaser," "the sick one" Even "recovered" can become a trap Research: 80% of New Year's resolutions fail because they're rooted in outcomes, not identity Who God Says You REALLY Are Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) Chosen - royal priesthood, holy nation (1 Peter 2:9) Deeply loved - nothing can separate you (Romans 8:38-39) A new creation - old is gone, new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17) An heir - daughter of the King, royalty (Galatians 4:7) The New Year Identity Shift Most resolutions fail because they're about WHAT you want to do Identity-based change is more powerful than outcome-based goals You can't identify as "the girl with the eating disorder" and expect to live free When you change your identity, your behavior follows Stop identifying as disordered, start identifying as WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE Your Tangible Exercise: Step 1: Write down FALSE labels you've been carrying (Anorexic, bulimic, the number on the tag, not good enough, the sick one, etc.) Step 2: Cross them ALL out (These are NOT your identity - they're lies that cannot contain who you might become) Step 3: Write down WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE I am fearfully and wonderfully made I am chosen I am deeply loved I am a new creation I am an heir I am a daughter of the Most High I am royalty I am a saint I am NOT my eating disorder I am created for freedom Step 4: Read these truths OUT LOUD (Let your ears hear what God says about you) Step 5: Live from THIS identity (Not from labels, not from diagnosis, not from what people call you) Key Takeaways: ✨ If you're defined by your labels, you're also confused by your labels ✨ No label can contain who you might become ✨ The ED voice tells you WHAT you have/do, never WHO you are ✨ You are NOT: your eating disorder, your diagnosis, your size, your past ✨ You ARE: a saint, an heir, a daughter of the Most High, royalty ✨ 80% of New Year's resolutions fail - identity-based change is what works ✨ Stop identifying as disordered, start identifying as who God says you are ✨ When you change your identity, your behavior follows Powerful Quotes: "No label, no matter how authoritative - one given to you by a doctor or a boss - no title, no dollar sign can ever contain the full perspective and constellation of who you might become." - Arianna Huffington "If you are defined by your labels, you're also confused by your labels" "The eating disorder voice loved defining me by WHAT I had and WHAT I did. But it never told me WHO I was" "The energy it took to remain someone else's label was absolutely debilitating" "I wasn't designed to be a label. I was designed to be ME" "You weren't designed to be 'anorexic.' You were designed to be a daughter of the Most High" "If you keep identifying as 'the girl with the eating disorder,' you will keep living like the girl with the eating disorder" "You are NOT your eating disorder. You are a saint, an heir, a daughter of the Most High, royalty" "When you're rooted in THAT identity - when that becomes your foundation - everything changes" "You can't keep identifying AS the eating disorder and expect to live free" "No label can contain the full perspective and constellation of who you might become" Ready to Get Support for the New Year Ahead? You don't have to root yourself in the right identity alone. Recovery Collective: Group support program with bi-weekly coaching calls and community chat~ www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  One-on-One Coaching: Personalized support to help you discover your true identity and walk in freedom Learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co Connect with Lindsey Nichol: Website: www.herbestself.co Apply for Coaching: www.herbestself.co Instagram: @thelindseynichol  Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Share This Episode: Know someone who's been identifying as their eating disorder? Send them this episode. If this shifted something in you, please: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Share on social media and tag @thelindseynichol Screenshot your favorite quote and post it Do the identity exercise and share your breakthrough Remember, Sis: You are NOT your eating disorder. You are NOT your diagnosis. You are NOT a number or a label. You are a saint. An heir. A daughter of the Most High. Royalty. That's your TRUE identity. Now go live like it. You really can move from perfection to purpose. Let's break the chains together. Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you—please subscribe to Her Best Self wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review. Your reviews help other women who are tired of perfectionism and living trapped in their mind and body find this show and realize they're not alone. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth! About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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• EP 254:🖤Black Friday Special🖤~ Finding Gratitude in ED Recovery (Even When It's Hard) + The 3 Things I'm Most Thankful for Right Now

  Hey girlfriend, happy day after Thanksgiving. Maybe yesterday was really hard for you. Maybe you broke a boundary. Maybe you're beating yourself up right now. Maybe you barely survived Thanksgiving dinner and you're exhausted. You made it through. You're here. And today, we're going to talk about gratitude anyway. In this special mini episode, host Lindsey Nichol gets vulnerable about a season when she couldn't feel grateful for anything - when she was so trapped in her eating disorder that gratitude felt impossible. She shares what she's genuinely, deeply thankful for this season, and invites you to find your own gratitude too - even in the mess, even in the middle of the struggle. Because here's the truth: Gratitude doesn't require perfection. It doesn't require having it all together. It doesn't require that yesterday went well. Gratitude just requires being willing to look for the light, even in the hard. Plus: A special Black Friday opportunity to invest in yourself and your recovery (because the best investment you'll ever make is in your own healing). This is a quick dose of hope, vulnerability, and possibility for the day after Thanksgiving. You survived yesterday. Now let's find the gratitude together. In This Mini Episode, You'll Hear: If Yesterday Was Hard Maybe you broke a boundary at Thanksgiving dinner Maybe you're beating yourself up today Maybe you barely survived and you're exhausted You made it through - and that matters Today we're talking about gratitude anyway When Gratitude Felt Impossible Lindsey's vulnerable truth: there was a season she couldn't FEEL gratitude Not that she wasn't grateful - she literally couldn't access the feeling Trapped in the eating disorder, consumed, numb, disconnected Sitting at Thanksgiving tables saying generic things but not feeling it Just surviving, just getting through, counting and calculating If that's where you are today - Lindsey sees you, she's been you Recovery gave her gratitude back - the ability to not just say it but FEEL it That's possible for you too What Lindsey Is Thankful For This Season: #1: Her Clients and Listeners (YOU) This community of women fighting for their freedom Doing the hard things, showing up even when it's scary Women in one-on-one coaching keeping promises to themselves Women in Recovery Collective supporting each other Messages saying "this episode came at the exact right time" You inspire her every single day You remind her why she does this work You remind her that recovery is possible Thank you for trusting her with your stories #2: Recovery Is a Journey That it's not linear Constantly evolving, growing, teaching Used to think recovery meant "fixed" - arriving at perfection But recovery taught her it's not about arriving, it's the JOURNEY Learning and growing and evolving Becoming more of who she's meant to be, one choice at a time Grateful she gets to keep learning and discovering Grateful she gets to mess up and extend herself grace Recovery isn't a destination - it's a way of life Choosing yourself every day #3: Keeping Promises  This might sound small, but it's everything For so long, she broke every promise to herself Every broken promise reinforced she couldn't trust herself Recovery taught her that keeping promises builds self-trust Proves to herself she's worthy of showing up for Now she keeps her promises - not perfectly, but consistently That has changed everything She can look in the mirror and know when she says she'll do something, she does it That's freedom. That's recovery. Your Gratitude Invitation What are YOU thankful for this season? It might feel hard, especially if yesterday was rough But look for it anyway - gratitude doesn't require perfection Maybe you're thankful you made it through Thanksgiving (even if messy) Maybe you're thankful for one person who showed up for you Maybe you're thankful you're still here, still fighting, still trying Maybe you're thankful for your body (even if you don't love it) because it's carrying you Maybe you're thankful that recovery is possible, even if you're not there yet Find it. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Let yourself feel it. Gratitude is a practice - the more we practice, the more we can access it Black Friday Investment Opportunity Today is Black Friday - you're getting a million emails about sales But Lindsey wants to offer something different: investing in YOURSELF The best investment you'll ever make is in your own healing Two special opportunities available today through Sunday Special Black Friday Offers (Through Sunday Only): Option 1: Recovery Collective - $47/month What You Get: Live group coaching calls every other week (one hour each) Texting chat community for support between calls Connection with other women who GET IT Accountability, tools, and strategies for your recovery journey This is for you if: You need community and support You want guidance but aren't ready for one-on-one yet You're tired of doing this alone You want connection with women who understand Join here: www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  Option 2: One-on-One Personalized Coaching - $500 OFF What You Get: Weekly coaching sessions customized for YOU Someone walking beside you every single week A plan specifically for YOUR challenges, triggers, and recovery path Personalized, intensive support to get from where you are to where you want to be This is for you if: You're ready for customized, personalized support You want someone in your corner weekly You need a plan made specifically for you You're done doing this alone How to Claim Either Offer: Go to www.herbestself.co and fill out a client application. These offers are ONLY available through Sunday. Limited spots available. If you're thinking: "This is my sign" - it is "I can't do this alone anymore" - you don't have to "I'm ready to invest in myself" - Lindsey is here for you Black Friday isn't just about buying things. It's about investing in what matters. And YOU matter. Your recovery matters. Your freedom matters. Key Takeaways: ✨ You made it through Thanksgiving - even if it was hard, you're here ✨ Gratitude doesn't require perfection or having it all together ✨ There was a season Lindsey couldn't FEEL gratitude - she was too numb, too consumed ✨ Recovery gave her the ability to feel gratitude again - that's possible for you too ✨ Lindsey is grateful for: her clients/listeners, recovery as a journey, keeping promises to herself ✨ You can find gratitude even in the struggle - even if it's small ✨ Recovery isn't a destination, it's a journey - constantly evolving and growing ✨ Keeping promises to yourself builds self-trust and proves you're worth showing up for ✨ The best investment you'll ever make is in your own healing ✨ Black Friday offers available through Sunday: Recovery Collective $47/month or $500 off 1-on-1 Powerful Quotes from This Episode: "Maybe yesterday was really hard for you. Maybe you broke a boundary. Maybe you're beating yourself up. You made it through. You're here." "Gratitude doesn't require perfection. It doesn't require having it all together. It doesn't require that yesterday went well" "Gratitude just requires being willing to look for the light, even in the hard" "There was a season of my life when I couldn't feel grateful for anything. I literally couldn't FEEL it" "I was so consumed, so numb, so disconnected from myself that I couldn't access those feelings" "Recovery gave me my gratitude back. It gave me the ability to not just say I'm thankful, but to actually FEEL it" "You inspire me every single day. You remind me why I do this work" "Recovery isn't a destination. It's a way of life. It's choosing yourself every day" "Keeping promises to myself is how I build trust with myself" "That's freedom, girlfriend. That's recovery" "Gratitude is a practice. The more we practice it, the more we can access it" "The best investment you'll ever make is in your own healing" "Black Friday isn't just about buying things. It's about investing in what matters" "YOU matter. Your recovery matters. Your freedom matters" Gratitude Practice for You: Your Invitation: Write down 3 things you're thankful for this season. Prompts if You're Struggling: What's one thing that went RIGHT yesterday (even if small)? Who is one person in your corner? What's one thing your body did for you yesterday? What's one step you've taken in recovery (no matter how small)? What's one hope you have for your future? What's one thing you can appreciate about yourself today? Remember: It doesn't have to be big It doesn't have to be perfect It can be messy It can be hard to find That's okay - you're practicing The Practice: Write it down (in your Tarjay journal!) Speak it out loud Let yourself feel it, even for just a moment Come back to it when things get hard Questions to Reflect On: About Yesterday: How do you feel about how Thanksgiving went? Are you beating yourself up about something? What's one thing you can give yourself grace for? Did you make it through? (If yes, that counts!) About Gratitude: When was the last time you felt genuine gratitude? What made that moment different? What's blocking you from feeling grateful today? Can you practice looking for light even in the hard? About Your Recovery: Are you doing this alone or do you have support? What would change if you had community? What would change if you had personalized guidance? What's holding you back from investing in yourself? About Black Friday: What are you investing in today? What if you invested in YOUR healing instead of just "stuff"? What would it mean to prioritize yourself? Is this your sign to finally get support? Who This Episode Is For: This mini episode is for you if: Yesterday (Thanksgiving) was really hard You're beating yourself up today You barely survived Thanksgiving dinner You feel exhausted and triggered You can't feel gratitude right now You're numb and disconnected You made it through but don't feel proud You want to find gratitude but don't know how You need a reminder that you're not alone You're considering getting support but haven't yet You've been doing this alone and you're tired You're ready to invest in yourself You need community or personalized guidance You want to make next Thanksgiving different Why This Episode Matters: Timing: Released the day after Thanksgiving when: You're exhausted from surviving yesterday You might be triggered or beating yourself up You're looking for hope and encouragement You're in the mindset of investment (Black Friday) You're thinking about what you want to be different next year Message: You don't have to be perfect to practice gratitude. You don't have to have a "good" Thanksgiving to find things to be thankful for. And you don't have to do recovery alone. Opportunity: Special Black Friday offers make this the PERFECT time to invest in yourself and get the support you need so next year is different. Ready to Invest in Your Recovery? Don't Wait Until Next Thanksgiving to Get Support You just survived another Thanksgiving trapped in the eating disorder. You made it through, but was it how you want to live? Next year can be different. But only if you get support NOW. Two Options Available Through Sunday: Recovery Collective - $47/month Group support, bi-weekly calls, texting community. You're not alone anymore. One-on-One Coaching - $500 OFF Personalized support, weekly sessions, custom plan for YOU. Finally get the guidance you need. Apply now at herbestself.co Offers end Sunday. Limited spots available. This is your sign. This is your moment. Invest in yourself. Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com  1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms . Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you—please subscribe to Her Best Self wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review. Your reviews help other women who are tired of perfectionism and living trapped in their mind and body find this show and realize they're not alone. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth! About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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