I wrote a post about this a little while ago, but I think it’s important to stress: creating what we need in a given moment is essential. When the urge to restrict comes on, when the compulsion to cut, purge, or disappear takes over, it’s clear that something is mission.

Whether you scan through magazines and collage a vision board, pick up markers or crayons or paint and start capturing images, or you reach for a pen to start writing your thoughts – create.

Or if the artistic side of things doesn’t feel right for you, create a scenario. Think about your ideal situation: what would be different if it could be? Call a friend, talk through it. Call a therapist or mentor and ask them to help you work on creating a path for getting there.

In other words, creating what you most need is about finding a way to visualize a road map out of the situation that brings you closer to you – closer to becoming who you are. It can be scary and intimidating (and particularly challenging if you don’t have hope for a better future), but taking one small step, no matter how insignificant it may seem, toward realizing your dreams will take you further than succombing to the behaviors will.