Letting go. It’s one of those phrases that gets thrown around a lot – usually by well-meaning people – when you’re in the thick of something difficult. “Just let go!” they say, as if it’s as easy as dropping your keys into a bowl by the front door. But, as anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder – or supported someone who has – knows, letting go isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s not simple, and it’s certainly not linear.
At Orri, we believe letting go is one of the most important (and also the most challenging) aspects of recovery. But what are we letting go of, exactly? For those experiencing an eating disorder, it’s often letting go of control, of old coping mechanisms, of deeply entrenched beliefs about worth, food, and the body. These aren’t just ideas that can be casually tossed aside. They’ve served a purpose – often as ways to survive emotionally painful experiences. Letting go can feel like losing a safety net, which is why it’s so difficult, and why it requires a gentle, compassionate process.
For those supporting someone in recovery – whether you’re a parent, partner, or friend – letting go can be just as hard. How do you step back and let your loved one find their own way when every fibre of your being wants to protect them? How do you stop trying to control the situation when your heart aches from watching them struggle? It’s easy to say “let go,” but as a carer, it can feel like being told to stand on the sidelines when all you want to do is jump in and help. We see you, and we understand how much you’ve already let go of, in your own way.
Here at Orri, we approach the idea of letting go with deep respect for the complexities involved. We know that “letting go” isn’t just about moving on or releasing something. It’s about creating space – space to heal, to explore, and to reconnect with what truly matters. It’s about learning to trust, both for the individual in recovery and the people who love them. It’s a process that happens slowly, step by step, with the right support in place.
Recovery is a path marked by small, courageous acts of letting go. Letting go of harmful habits, yes, but also letting go of the shame, guilt, and fear that often come along for the ride. And as hard as it is to do – both for individuals and their loved ones – every step toward letting go is a step toward something greater: the rediscovery of hope, joy, and freedom.
We invite you to reflect on your own journey with letting go, whether you’re in recovery or supporting someone who is. It’s not easy, and we’re here with you every step of the way. At Orri, we’re committed to holding space for the struggles and the triumphs, the fears and the hopes, knowing that letting go – however small – is always a profound act of courage.
Here’s to the messy, beautiful process of letting go, and to the healing that follows.
