The Reality of Recovery

Recovery is hard work and comes slowly as body, mind and spirit heal and grow strong.

Enthusiasm for a different life, full of much more than sickness, 

life that knows blue sky and smiles, waxes and wanes in waves full of longing.

Confidence that anything can be different grows slowly with each tiny success - a day without sickness or to hold a child’s hand in reunion and love.

Opportunities to turn back or go forward challenge the desire to be well again.

Valuable lessons from the past, 

sorted and separated from guilt or shame, 

shape goals for the future.

Experiencing conscious awareness, 

glaring and new, 

frightens, 

often surprises with joyful smiles and laughter.

Responsibility for life ~

so much more than paying bills, 

but maintaining health and sanity 

despite ups and downs, joys or sadness.

Yesterday’s path, full of potholes and craters ~

the journey ~ just for today...and today...and today.

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier - not that the

nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Author's note: edited December 25, 2023