I hope that wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you.
Some of us fall into Recovery and make it an extension of who we are. We may spend our whole lives building a foundation around it.
Without supportive people walking beside us through the later stages of Recovery, our suffering may continue, and we may need more intensive treatment to heal. Our ego, vanity, and the parts of us that seek control can begin to dominate our lives. Without support, we may feel shapeless and directionless. We may struggle to find purpose or build lasting relationships because we are so consumed by the impact of Recovery on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In addition to supportive people, we want to move toward inner security and validation. At times, we may confuse the voices of those who support us with the very voice of Recovery. If our inner critic has kept us safe for years, we may have trouble hearing the true voice of Recovery. The messages we received from people and experiences early in life continue to shape us. Through this healing, we seek the “still, small voice” of Recovery.
Our support people may help us reach the first half of Recovery, but they may not be able to lead us into the second half. They may not have traveled that path themselves. Our support network can help us get through hell. But when we begin to explore our inner life, we may need to walk a different path. As we move into the middle and later stages of Recovery, we may need to say goodbye to some of the ways we have depended on others.
I realize that the greatest distance in my Recovery has been the distance from my head to my heart and soul. During the first half of my Recovery, I participated in cognitive therapy. I had several supportive people who helped me reduce the negative thoughts and shame I was carrying. Despite our efforts, darkness continued to remain inside me. I was allowing this struggle to become my identity.
The turning point in my Recovery came when a psychologist helped me identify the trauma from my childhood. This opened the door for me to go deeper into my heart and soul. I was able to work through the feelings in my heart and the shame in my soul. I began to accept what had happened to me and let go of the anger and bitterness I carried toward my abusers.
When we begin to heal our hearts and souls, we can finally let go and find the faith to grow up. By letting go, we allow Recovery to mold us. We begin to release our ego and pride and make room for the love, peace, and wisdom God is forming within us.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.