February 18, 2026 “Reaching for the Stars in Recovery!”

Taking the first step into Recovery—or choosing to stay with it—can be very hard. Sometimes we think Recovery will take away our habits or even our sense of who we are. It can feel like a loss.

But this is not the truth. Letting go is not losing ourselves. It is releasing what no longer serves us. This can include obsessive thoughts, excessive exercise, perfectionism, constant worry, anxiety, the misuse of drugs or alcohol, and many other coping habits.

During my own Recovery, I have let go of excessive exercise, perfectionism, unhealthy eating, constant worry, and anxiety. I have also released negative self-talk, like saying, “I don’t deserve good things,” or “I am stupid.” These thoughts caused harm, not healing.

What if we chose to welcome the beauty, joy, and happiness that life offers us? These gifts already live within us, waiting to shine in our lives. I have learned that I cannot depend on other people to give me this sense of worth.

Over time, I have learned to notice the compassion, kindness, and love planted in my heart and soul. For many years, I was more familiar with pain and suffering. They felt normal to me.

Today, I receive grace as I continue in Recovery. This new way of living is filled with hope. I no longer focus on what I must give up. Instead, I reach for the stars. I know I was beautifully created for a purpose. I see this truth in my passion to serve others through my writing.

Tomorrow, February 19, 2026, my second book will be released on Amazon. This morning, I received a beautiful surprise from one of my daughters. She congratulated me on the book’s release and gave me a mug, a cup of my favorite coffee, a card, and a lavender diffuser for my office. Her kindness touched my heart and made this moment even more special.

If you are able, I hope you will support my work by getting a copy of the book. If not, I ask for your prayers—that the words will support all of us in Recovery for many years to come.