I will not be posting any blog articles from June 5, 2026, through June 12, 2026. I plan to begin writing again on June 15, 2026.
I hope wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
We do not need to become discouraged when we fall back into old habits. The 12 Steps are not easy to live every day. Recovery teaches us to look for progress, not perfection.
A single unkind gesture or an irritable comment can affect a relationship. There is a balance between holding back and speaking our thoughts. Wisdom helps us know which response is best in each situation.
Responsibility is an important part of Recovery. As we talk with people in our support groups, families, and friendships, we often notice how they are growing in health and well-being. They are learning to take responsibility for their lives. They make choices based on their connection to God, their Higher Power, rather than trying to do everything alone or constantly seeking others’ approval.
Progress, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility are qualities I continue to embrace in my Recovery.
For much of my adult life, I pushed myself to be perfect. Whether in school, sports, or other areas of life, I often drove myself beyond healthy limits. I wanted recognition and approval from others. From the outside, it appeared that I had everything together. But when I fell short, I was overwhelmed with shame.
Before and during the early years of my Recovery, I often held back my thoughts and feelings. I was afraid that if I spoke honestly, I would lose control and hurt the people I loved. This fear was rooted in my childhood. When my father expressed himself in anger, his words often became hurtful and abusive. Because I tended to think in extremes, I chose silence instead.
At age 50—I am now 61—I began to understand how trauma had shaped the way I viewed the world. I saw myself as a victim. This affected my life in two important ways. First, I became overly responsible at work and at home. Second, I allowed others to take advantage of me. Over time, I came to see myself as bad and unworthy.
Today, I am grateful for the blessings of Recovery. Recovery is teaching me to let go of perfection, to speak up for myself, and to stand gently and compassionately in my own truth. It is also teaching me to take responsibility for my actions and choices.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do you try to be perfect? How has this affected your life and your relationships?
- What was your life like before you entered Recovery?
- If you support someone in Recovery, have you noticed changes in their life? If so, what changes have you seen? If not, what may be standing in the way? Consider sharing your thoughts with them in a caring and supportive way.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.
Please pick up my new book. Your support of my ministry allows me to serve others. Daily Devotional: 12 Steps to Unshakeable Recovery: Winter, L.J.: 9798987012741: Amazon.com: Books