Addiction Recovery Outreach & Empowerment

11/30/2025

11/30/2025

11/28/2025

I need this reminder sometimes.
Self care must be a top notch priority!

11/27/2025

Read that again!

11/27/2025

Recovery is a process of changes.
In my 13 years of recovery from substance use disorder (I used anything and everything to escape) I have evolved my point of view more than a few times on more than a few recovery related subjects.
One thing I've always stood firm on was the fact that you must give yourself time! Recovery isn't a race to the finish, because it can only end in relapse! No. Recovery is a journey...a lifelong journey, to be matter of fact.
In early recovery there are the many ladder rungs and milestones and oh how beautiful and exciting they are to achieve!!
However, 13 years later, it becomes more of a lifestyle without the need for bells, whistles and cheers.
It doesn't make it less important than the day one, week one, month one, year one. In fact, it may be more important. It's quite the contrary in fact!
When people ask me how it made it this long, my response has always been, "One second, one minute, one hour, one decision at a time, day after day after day."
After thirteen years I may not be growing new blossoms daily, but the great tree I've grown produces much fruit to sustain those who seek nourishment, shade and shelter for the tired, and stability that allows the weary a place to lean in.
And in my opinion, that's the end goal and the very meaning behind 'If you want to keep it, you've got to be willing to give it away.'
In later recovery if we're not standing tall and reaching out for the still suffering addict, what are we doing?
When I am not in bloom, I am planting seeds!