May 20, 2026 “A Letter to Recovery!”

Dear Recovery,

Fill our souls with Your spirit and life.
Move through every part of our being so deeply that our lives shine with Your light.
Shine through us so clearly that every person we meet may feel Your presence in our hearts.
Let others see not only us, but the hope and healing of Recovery within us.
(Adapted from John Henry Newman)

We all struggle with doubt.

Sometimes we ask, “Why is this happening?” or “Will I ever truly heal?” Recovery reminds us that doubt and hesitation are part of the journey. They may stay with us at times, but they do not have to control us.

It is easier to believe in Recovery when we are praying, reflecting, or surrounded by support. But when we step back into everyday life, doubt can quietly return and pull us toward fear and chaos.

Most of us do not doubt that Recovery is possible. Instead, we wonder if it is truly possible for us. We question whether healing can reach our hearts, our struggles, and our daily lives.

A recoveree is someone who continues forward even while carrying doubt. A recoveree says, “Yes… Yes… Yes, I will keep going. I will continue to heal.”

What does it take to become a recoveree?

It takes three things:

• Being honest and self-aware about our struggles
• Practicing radical acceptance—fully accepting reality as it is in the present moment without fighting it, judging it, or wishing it away
• Staying open to support and resources that fit our needs, such as therapy, support groups, peer support, physical health care, spiritual guidance, and healthy relationships

Ten years ago, I was going through one of the hardest times in my life. I wondered if I would ever feel better again. For twenty years, I moved in and out of therapy, support groups, and psychiatric care. I often asked myself, “Why do these intense emotions keep rising in my mind and heart?” At times, I doubted I could ever recover.

Then I took one small step forward. I enrolled in an outpatient program and committed to ongoing therapy. There, I began to experience hope, self-compassion, and support. Slowly, my doubts about Recovery began to fade.

Recovery is not a straight path. There will be ups and downs, moments of peace and moments of struggle. But we must remember the mountain we are climbing. Step by step, the climb can lead us toward deep peace, healing, and freedom.

What can you do today to move beyond your doubts about Recovery