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

That voice inside your head—the one that tells you you're not good enough, that you need to be perfect, that you're a failure if you rest—she's keeping you stuck. And it's time to silence her. In this episode, we're diving deep into the seven inner critics that are holding you hostage in quasi-recovery. These voices? They're the reason you can't move forward. They're the reason you feel trapped in the exhausting cycle of trying and failing, restricting and controlling, never feeling like you're doing it right. But here's the truth: 80% of your thoughts are negative, and 95% of them are repetitive. No wonder you feel stuck. No wonder you lack motivation. No wonder you believe the lies that you'll always be this way. The good news? You can change your thoughts. And when you change your thoughts, you change your entire life. In this episode, you'll discover: What your inner critic is and how it developed in early childhood The 7 types of inner critics: Perfectionist, Inner Controller, Taskmaster, Destroyer, Underminer, Molder/People Pleaser, and Guilt Tripper Which inner critic is running the show in YOUR mind (and how to identify it) Why your inner critic isn't wrong—it's just a part of you that needs more love How to reframe your negative thoughts and shift your perspective A powerful reflection exercise to help you silence your mean girl once and for all If you're tired of feeling controlled by that voice in your head, if you're ready to stop believing the lies, and if you're done staying stuck in quasi-recovery—this episode is for you. It's time to be the boss of you. Not your eating disorder. Not your inner critic. You. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "It's not who you are that holds you back, sis. It's who you think you're not." 💛 "Your inner critic is just that part of you that needs more love, more compassion. You're the boss, not your eating disorder." 💛 "When you change the way that you think, you change your entire life. When you can change your mind, you can recover from your eating disorder." 💛 "80% of our thoughts are negative and 95% of our thoughts on the daily are repetitive. No wonder why you lack motivation. No wonder why you think you're always gonna be here." 💛 "You are the boss of you. You are not a quitter. You are creating a new version of you." THE 7 INNER CRITICS EXPLAINED 1. THE PERFECTIONIST Sets unrealistic standards and makes you feel inadequate when you don't achieve them. Your self-worth depends on achievement, and mistakes feel catastrophic. 2. THE INNER CONTROLLER Tries to control impulsive behaviors around eating, drinking, or spending. When you slip up, this voice shames you: "You should have known better. You have no willpower." 3. THE TASKMASTER Pushes you to keep going without rest. Fears you'll become "lazy" if you stop. Makes you believe you have to exercise every day or you're unworthy. 4. THE DESTROYER Makes direct attacks on who you are as a person. Tells you you're worthless, broken, a waste of space. This one breeds depression and keeps you trapped. 5. THE UNDERMINER Keeps you small and afraid to take risks. Paralyzes you from believing freedom is possible. Says, "Why try when you're gonna fail anyway?" 6. THE MOLDER (People Pleaser) Makes you adapt and mold yourself to fit in with others. You cut calories, follow rules, stay in your lane—all to be liked and accepted by everyone else. 7. THE GUILT TRIPPER Keeps a record of all your wrongs and never lets you move forward. Reminds you of past failures and says, "This is just who you are. This is your karma." REFLECTION EXERCISE (5-10 MINUTES) As you listen to this episode, I want you to identify which inner critic(s) show up most frequently for you. Then, spend 5-10 minutes reflecting: ✨ What are the constant nagging thoughts she says to you? ✨ What is the voice inside your mind constantly telling you? ✨ How are these thoughts simply not true? ✨ What data do you have to prove your mind could be lying? Now, act as your own BFF, your own ally, your own coach: If your thought is: "I'll never recover" → Shift it: "I'm healing and learning. I'm not there yet, but I'm going there." If your thought is: "This is just too hard" → Shift it: "The more I practice doing the opposite action, the easier it gets." If your thought is: "I always go back to unhealthy patterns" → Ask: "What are some different actions I can take right now so that doesn't happen? How can I show up for my true self?" RESEARCH MENTIONED 📊 According to the National Science Foundation: You think approximately 60,000 thoughts per day 80% of those thoughts are negative 95% of those thoughts are repetitive This is why you feel stuck. But you can change this pattern starting today. RESOURCES + SUPPORT Ready to silence your inner critic with personalized support? 💛 Work With Me 1:1 - I provide deep accountability, connection, and personalized coaching to help you navigate your inner critics, shift your perspective, and find freedom from food and body. If you're exhausted from these voices running your life, let's work together. 👉 Apply for coaching: Visit www.herbestself.co  and fill out a client application 💛 Join Our Private Community - Connect with other women in recovery who understand what you're going through. Find support, hope, and healing. www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  👉 Hope and Healing for Eating Disorder Recovery Facebook Group www.herbestselfsociety.com  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 hear this? 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.