“We live in a society of instant gratification… Recovery is a process…” – Courage to Change 

When I first heard about recovery, it applied just to sobriety. But later on I realized that sobriety is only one step in recovering all the great things I had lost up until that point in my life. Things like a passion for living life, loving myself, a desire to help others, my self-esteem, peace, serenity, willingness, an open mind, an ability to have healthy relationships with others, having enough self-respect to walk away from harmful situations and people, and the ability to take responsibility for my actions. Today I understand that it takes time, consistency and diligence to do the work to recover and keep those things in my life, and I’m willing to take the daily actions necessary to do so. It’s a brave New Year and I have the courage to embrace it – however it may turn out – with an open heart. ILML! 

– JamieQ