Nicole “Nikki” Ocean

In the winter of 2022, while in residential treatment at The Emily Program in Seattle, I created the idea of the “Eating Disorder Recovery Coin.”

My original vision was to create something that could support people in eating disorder recovery, like myself. This idea became a steady source of motivation and encouragement during my own treatment and recovery journey over the following year, helping me stay connected to hope and purpose through very difficult moments.

After drawing a handful of prototypes, I eventually settled on a design very similar to the coin you see today. What began as a couple of colorful 2-D drawings became a real, physical coin in March 2024. Working on this project over the course of more than a year gave me something meaningful to hold onto during hard times and became a reflection of what I was learning in treatment and in my recovery path.

Along the way, I gifted over 150 of the original Eating Disorder Recovery Coins to recovery friends and treatment program and therapy providers, with the intent of sharing encouragement, connection, hope and support with others walking similar paths.

“In April 2026, I updated the project to better reflect its expanded purpose. I renamed it ‘My Recovery Coin’ to open it up to anyone in any form of recovery.”

I also redesigned the front “Stormy Wave” side of the coin to reflect this broader intention, while keeping the original “Beach Sunset” back side unchanged.

At the same time, I removed the NEDA logo. I previously had a licensing agreement with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), however the agreement did not allow the coin to be sold for profit with their logo included. Removing the logo allowed the design to become fully independent and made it possible for the coin to be sold and shared more widely.

This special coin can be used as a visual reminder to use skills while eating, a motivational tool, a grounding object or fidget, a gift for someone in recovery from anything, or even a personal lucky charm carried in a pocket or bag. You decide.

I hope that “My Recovery Coin” finds its way into the hands of people who can benefit from it; people who may feel encouraged, inspired, and supported to challenge their inner critic and keep going, even on the hardest days. My hope is that it helps fuel a sense of possibility and supports each person in finding their own path toward a life that feels worth living.