A life well lived in recovery

On this particular morning my wife and I are heading out for a week long trip to sunny Arizona. We will go see the amazing Grand Canyon and then head to Phoenix to stay with Katrina's parents who are already there.

Now, to some this might seem a pretty normal thing for a couple to do. Yet, it doesn't get past me, for someone who has lived a life in active addiction, this is a pretty amazing thing to get to do in my life today. The mere reality that I have the resources in my life to do something like this is really a big deal. Some might say we deserve this time away. We both work hard, do all the life things a couple should do, why not us. I agree with that for sure, and, I am also very grateful. 

For two people who are in recovery, who, both of us having had a life with many of the issues that come with a substance use disorder, I think we are able to see this opportunity through a different lens. I look at being able to go on vacation as something that is ONLY because of my life in recovery. 

From my early days in recovery when the daily goal was simply to not drink or use, to navigating getting back into the workforce and finding stable housing, all the way to addressing mental health issues while in recovery so I could address many of the very reasons I turned to drugs and alcohol in the first place. When I think about the myriad of transitions along the way in recovery, this little vacation is a big deal. 

You hear the saying, "recovery is not for the faint of heart". It is true, leading a life in recovery is not a linear process, nor does it come without struggles along the way. I know many people in recovery who have navigated a variety of highly difficult obstacles. Personally, I have seen some low points in my life; in recovery. I have learned that this reality is just that; the reality of life. Just because we find recovery doesn't mean life doesn't still throw things at us that are hard. The beauty of it is we can learn skills to cope with those things and manage life's struggles in a healthy way.

So, we head out today on a vacation to sunny Arizona. My love and I, both people in long term recovery who get to enjoy the fruits of our labor in life. This is something I love doing with Katrina. Traveling with her is always an adventure and always something where we make amazing memories to fill our hearts and minds with forever. 

Recovery works, lives change