Why I Still Write About Recovery — Six Years In
Recovery isn’t just something I did — it’s something I need to survive. It keeps me grounded in a messy, beautiful life that’s manageable. Sobriety is what allows me to keep going, to show up fully, and to pay it forward. That’s why, even six years in, I still write about recovery.
One of the most defining moments in my early recovery happened around two years sober. I almost relapsed. At that time, I had no faith and was filled with self-doubt. I was caught in a constant back-and-forth about surrendering, but I wasn’t strong enough. My mind became consumed with struggle, and I wasn’t doing much to help myself. It was clear I needed spirituality and faith — something to lean on — but also myself and connection. I was lacking in all parts of my life.
Over time, my view of recovery has both stayed the same and evolved. I deeply believe in the power of programs like AA. They’re the core of connection — a place where people who have endured the same pain come together. But I have also branched out and grown in my own ways. I know certain parts of me still live inside my past struggles, so I have to keep myself in check. I do what’s best for my mental health and sobriety to avoid falling back.
For me, that means daily practices like gratitude lists, journaling, the Third Step prayer, working out, walks in nature, spending time with loved ones, savoring a cup of coffee, or watching the sunrise or sunset at the beach. It’s often the simplest things that bring the most peace and joy. I’ve learned that recovery isn’t one size fits all. I used to think I had to be the perfect, all-knowing “Big Book” person, but maybe I wasn’t fully surrendered or maybe my perfectionism overwhelmed me. What I do know is that what works for me is what keeps me sober, and I’m always learning how to better manage the tough times.
There’s a misconception I want to clear up: many people think recovery programs are only for those with severe substance use disorders. But recovery is for anyone whose substance use negatively impacts their life, no matter the severity. If your life feels unmanageable or your thoughts are obsessive, recovery is possible for you.
Humor plays a big role in my healing. I poke fun at the traumatic experiences I’ve been through — making light of situations that were once so hard to overcome. It’s a way to heal and keep perspective. Spirituality is everything too. I lean into the universe, believing that what’s meant to be mine will be, and that my actions toward growth matter.
If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this: you don’t have to feel alone. Help is out there. Recovery is possible. Getting sober didn’t magically solve all my problems, but it gave me a clear mind and open heart to handle life’s challenges. And that has made all the difference.
