HOW FAR WE HAVE COME IN RECOVERY

I believe it is important for those of us in recovery to stop and look back at how far we have come – whether our recovery journey began yesterday, last month or last year.

For me, my journey began about a year ago. The best decision I made was to return to treatment and try to get my recovery back on track. Had I not made that decision when I did, the results would have been vastly different – and too disastrous to even think about.

Instead, a year later, I am alive and healthy. I have a wonderful relationship with my family – I don’t necessarily see or talk to them as much as I did when I was struggling, but when we do talk, it is open and honest. There are no more lies or manipulation. I am no longer causing them pain – instead, they celebrate my sobriety with me.

One of the most wonderful things to happen is the opportunity to share my experiences on this page. It has helped strengthen my recovery more than even I realized by “talking” about the good and bad of the journey I am on. And if sharing my hope and experiences has helped even one other person, that is a priceless gift for which I am truly grateful.

This past year has seen so many changes in my life – I have reconnected with friends, I have re-discovered my love of crafts and cooking, I am even taking an evening course at college. My life is simpler now but in the most wonderful way.

While this year has had its ups and downs, I can honestly say when I look back that the good far outweighs the bad. I know I still have a long path ahead of me, and it certainly won’t all be perfect, but when I look back to see how far I have come, it makes me confident that I can persevere and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.