Recovery over the years has had multiple meanings and pathways. I always loved the thought of a kaleidoscope describing mine. Bits and pieces blending from darkness to light creating beauty from shards of a broken past molded into a new vision before me. It’s a lifetime of ripple effects stemming from daily decisions with the best intentions for oneself. Resting beauty in the power of your own hands.
As time in recovery develops many will notice changes in the body, mind and soul. As the healing begins and continues so do the strengths within! From sleeping to eating, emotions, relationships, communities, and friendships. Emotions may be raw, fresh, even rocky at times and also some brand new. Navigate these tides with a lifeline to both celebrate together and help you along the way should you face a new path with weary intensity. The most important guide is one that has been there too.
What I hope we all take some time to do each day is this: Celebrate and have compassion for ourselves. From the sleepless nights to that first morning the sun met us instead of the other way around, a good night’s sleep. Alas! When it becomes easier to sit and have a meal, things we may not have thought to be so simple do come back into our lives can bring such joy. Slowly as our confidence builds so does our smile. Take triumph in each step we take and even forgiveness if we feel we haven’t accomplished it all by now. That’s the compassion we tend to forget to give ourselves time and time again.
Be good to yourself as you would be to anyone else in your life. The journey starts with kindness, courtesy, compassion, forgiveness, respect and love. The words that you tell yourself matter. Respect all you do and choices you are making for the best of your abilities of your day. Forgive yourself if your past doesn’t always sit well with you and create an environment that supports your dreams and aspirations. Moving forward accept that you may need to face some painful reminders but do not allow that to hurdle you from your path forward. It’s a part of your story, not the headline.
