Recovery is a word we hear often, yet it’s frequently misunderstood. In many ways, we imagine it as a destination, a place we can finally arrive at where our struggles no longer exist. But the truth is, recovery is not an endpoint; it’s a process—a gradual, ongoing journey toward a healthier, more balanced way of living.

So, what is recovery? At its heart, recovery is the process of regaining control over our lives and reconnecting with who we truly are. It’s about finding ways to cope, heal, and grow beyond the pain, challenges, or trauma that have held us back. Recovery means creating new patterns, setting boundaries, and learning to be kinder to ourselves. It’s a commitment to making positive choices and embracing life with its imperfections, all the while cultivating resilience and self-compassion. Recovery empowers us to step into our lives more fully, with all of the messy, beautiful complexity that entails.

However, recovery is not about erasing our struggles or pretending that the past never happened. It’s not a linear process, nor does it promise to shield us from future difficulties. There will be days of progress and days of setbacks; recovery is often two steps forward and one step back. Recovery is also not about striving for perfection or trying to become someone we’re not. It doesn’t mean we won’t experience pain, doubt, or fear along the way. In fact, it’s in acknowledging and accepting these feelings that we can actually begin to heal.

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about recovery is that it is deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another, and there’s no "one correct" way to recover. Recovery is as unique as the person undertaking it and should honour each individual’s pace, needs, and journey.

Ultimately, recovery is about reclaiming our lives, finding meaning, and learning to live in alignment with our values. It is not the absence of struggle but the commitment to persevere, learn, and grow through it.