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This past weekend, we attended a wedding reception for one of our relatives. My wife, sister-in-law, and I were sitting at a picnic table, soaking up the warmth of the sun. A woman joined us, and we soon learned that she was the bride’s aunt. We chatted about many things, the kind of small talk […]

Sharing our struggles with mental health or substance misuse can feel overwhelming. We wonder, What do people think about me? Some may see courage, others may judge, and a few may misunderstand. Juan once asked his friends, “Who do people say that I am?” The answers were mixed—some kind, some hurtful. But one voice stood

Fall shows us how leaves change color, fall to the earth, and feed the soil. In the same way, Recovery teaches us to hold on to what nourishes us and to let go of what no longer serves our healing. Each of us has a unique Recovery path. What strengthens one person may not help

Your directions shine with wisdom for health and healing. The 12 Steps are not rigid rules, like a basketball player lining up at the free-throw line. Instead, we see how these principles flow beautifully with your spirit of light and love. Recovery, you are filled with compassion and mercy. You are steady and consistent with

Imagine us gathered together in one place. Suddenly, it feels as though a mighty wind fills the room, and flames of fire gently rest upon each of us. In that moment, we agree—Recovery is pouring its spirit upon us. The Twelve Steps promise that this will happen, and as we walk faithfully through them, we

Recovery embraces opposites: we can be strong and gentle, desire solitude yet seek connection, share openly while keeping some things private, or disagree and remain friends. Through self-awareness, we notice how these contrasts influence both ourselves and others. Seeing another’s perspective can shift our thinking when the facts support it. Practicing this approach can ease

We are standing on the shore of the Mississippi. Recovery is so much bigger than what is written in the 12 steps or in any book. There are parts of it we can’t put into words, yet they help us see what Recovery can really do in our lives. That thought makes us pause. We

In early Recovery, it’s common to wonder when our mental wellness will return. We may try to predict when sadness, fear, anxiety, depression, or irritation will finally fade. But today’s reflection reminds us to stay focused on working the 12 steps, instead of predicting the timing of our healing. Recovery calls us to live in

Imagine walking with Jesus as He speaks about our future. Another person approaches to join the group, and Tom notices. He asks, “What about him? Will he also follow us on the journey of Recovery?” Jesus doesn’t answer Tom’s question. Instead, He tells him gently, “Be concerned about your own faithfulness. Follow me through the

From time to time, I share updates about my health with you. Lately, I’ve been struggling with long-term constipation. The medical treatments I’ve tried haven’t helped, so I’ve turned to a functional medicine doctor. Right now, I’m in a 30-day treatment program using medicines meant to clear parasites, worms, and bacteria. Two weeks ago, I