Inspirational cards, t-shirts, etc.--do they help you?

As recovery is an individual process, there are vast amounts of tools people can use to enable them towards healing. Transformology, a group based out of Chicago who help those with eating disorders, has created a card deck to help those in eating disorder recovery. The Treasures of Transformation card deck covers topics like hunger/full cues, body image, good job, and journaling. Each card has a drawing done by an artist who has fully recovered from her eating disorder and has been given "healing energy." The premise is to help those in any stage of recovery cope positively and find their authentic selves.

This is not the first card deck (nor probably last) to be created. Another card deck about mindful eating has categories like mindfulness, intentions, blessings, letting go, hunger and taste, and contemplations. These cards have a painting and a depiction of the cycle of food. The healthy at every size card deck is about empowerment. These cards display a nature photograph with a key message about enjoying food without guilt, not depriving yourself of food, feeling better about yourself, and enjoying the movement of your body.

The purpose of these cards are all similar-- to help those with food issues whether it is simply giving food for thought, helping during meal times, learning to feel better about themselves, or coping to get through the day.

So my question, do these type of cards help you? Do they give inspiration? Do they help with learning new coping skills?

Lastly, if you're looking from some interesting ED stuff, check out cafepress and zazzle. Though I doubt I'd ever wear a t-shirt about eating disorders in public (congrats to all those who can), I do like what many of them have to say, especially this pin.

image: zazzle