I hope that wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you.
When we discover our True Self, we begin to see life through a bigger picture. We learn that life is about more than our fears, struggles, and personal needs. We begin to see the beauty of living in the kingdom of Recovery.
This is a major step toward healing. But it asks us to let go of old ways of thinking and living. Sometimes, we hold on to these habits because they feel safe and familiar. Even when they cause us pain, we may be afraid to change. Recovery gently invites us to open the door and step into a new way of life.
Recovery is about practicing the 12 Steps and finding freedom from the suffering caused by mental health, substance misuse, and trauma conditions. We learn to seek peace in the present moment, rather than waiting for everything in our lives to be perfect. Recovery reminds us that peace is possible here and now, even when life is difficult.
No one can force us into Recovery. It is a choice we make with our hearts and minds. As we heal, we begin to feel more at peace with ourselves. We also learn to open our hearts to others.
The more room we make for love, kindness, and connection, the deeper our Recovery becomes. Isn’t that a beautiful thought? We don’t have to walk this journey alone.
There are many rooms in the house of Recovery, and everyone is welcome. Recovery is not about proving we are worthy or better than others. It is about learning to love ourselves and making room for people who are also hurting and healing.
When we shut people out or isolate ourselves, we may feel even more lonely. But when we reach out, share our struggles, and support one another, we discover the healing power of connection.
How could we fully enjoy the gifts of Recovery if we were unwilling to share them with our peers? Our healing becomes even more meaningful when we help others find hope.
Remember our Recovery meditation: “All are welcome.”
I am an introvert by nature. I enjoy many things about my personality. I am comfortable spending time alone. As an author, I enjoy the quiet hours I spend writing, reading, praying, and meditating. I also prefer spending time with one or two people rather than being in a large group.
These are gifts I value. But being an introvert while living with mental health conditions can also bring challenges.
When my symptoms increase, I sometimes pull away from others. I may stop reaching out to my peers, lose confidence in my decisions, and ignore what my heart and mind are telling me.
Over time, Recovery has taught me an important lesson: There is a difference between healthy solitude and painful isolation.
Healthy solitude gives me time to rest, pray, and listen to my heart. Isolation, however, can keep me trapped in my fears and struggles. It can close the door to the love and support I need.
I am learning that I can enjoy being alone while still making room for others in my life. I don’t have to choose one or the other.
Recovery invites each of us to take small steps toward healing. We do not have to be perfect, have all the answers, or be free of our symptoms. We only need a willingness to begin, ask for help, and remain open to change.
God’s love and the gift of Recovery are available to all of us. No one is too wounded, too brokenhearted, or too far away to begin the journey toward healing.
The door to Recovery is open. There is room for you, room for me, and room for everyone who longs for peace.
May we open our hearts, welcome one another, and discover that peace on earth can begin right here, right now.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.
The 12 Steps of Mental Wellness
1. We believe that Recovery is possible. With courage and hope, we commit to overcoming the internal and external barriers that stand in our way.
2. We believe that a loving God will restore us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
3. We decrease our human desires to hear the voice of God in our lives.
4. We make a Recovery plan after an honest reflection on our behavior.
5. We share our Recovery plan with God and other people who support us.
6. We surrender to God our suffering, anger, resentments, and other emotions blocking our Recovery.
7. We accept God’s unconditional love and compassion into our lives.
8. We connect with peers in Recovery and invite their presence into our lives.
9. We are imperfect human beings. Make amends to a person when necessary, then release shame, guilt, and other emotions getting in the way of our growth.
10. We continue to review our recovery plan and revise it when necessary.
11. We realize Recovery is not just an intention but also action. Through prayer, reflection, and mindfulness, we seek guidance from God and people in our support network.
12. We are having a spiritual awakening as a result of our Recovery. We are learning to love ourselves and practicing these steps in all of our affairs.
Adapted from“The Twelve Steps,” Alcoholics Anonymous,
https://www.aa.org
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
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/