What is ‘Recovery’? It means so many things to different people, with some people questioning the use of the term at all. For me, as a counselor, recovery means only positive things: the act (or art) of healing; reclaiming ones true self; the cessation of pain and harm; the ability to deal constructively with psychological challenges; strong relationships that endure. In other words, recovery is all about gains. One of the most important gains is the ability to understand and to meet one’s legitimate needs legitimately. For example, if I know I need companionship, I seek to build healthy relationships with people who care about me. Seen from this perspective, recovery is so much more than ending destructive habits such as addiction. Recovery is the redefining of a new life based on optimism and sound principles the recovering person identifies and works to embrace. Recovering people I have worked with over the years consistently identify these 10 core benefits of recovery:
- Self Worth
- Hope
- Peace of mind
- Emotional Stability
- Balance
- Confidence
- Courage
- Positive Outlook
- Ability to live in the moment
- Better relationships
Can you relate? What does recovery mean to you? What do you stand to gain? What can you do to bring yourself closer to that vision?
You may also be interested in reading my article on Emotional Sobriety
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Glynis Sherwood – MEd, Canadian Certified Counselor, Registered Clinical Counselor (BC), specializes in recovery from Attachment Trauma, Family Scapegoating, Low Self Worth, Anxiety, Depression, Complicated Grief, Relationship Challenges and Addictive Behaviors.