The other day I was at work sitting at my desk and the sun was shining down on me through the window. It was warm and inviting. It made me smile. As I sat there working, some clouds rolled in and covered up half the sky. Within the next five minutes it started to rain. It was raining so hard I could hear it bang on the windows. The wind was howling, the rain was going sideways and all the trees and vegetation were getting fed. I knew right then I would have to adjust as my walk wouldn’t be happening. After about 20 minutes the rain stopped and the sky opened up and the sun was shining again bringing warmth on my face again.
Witnessing all those changes in the weather literally minute by minute, needing to adapt to each one and seeing the beauty in it all, made me think of recovery. Recovery has its ups and downs and your recovery path and plan can change minute by minute depending on Ed and life. One minute recovery can feel warm and inviting. The next it can feel cold and rigid.
Like the changing weather, life’s challenges affect us and we need to adapt while staying on the path and remaining strong. It is scary especially when it is unexpected but you must NOT let it be an excuse to go off the path of recovery. When the weather changes on you, look at it as an opportunity for growth and don’t let Ed worm his way in and take over the situation.
Look to supports for help in guiding you through the storm, journal your thoughts as you process things, say positive affirmations daily to give you a boost of sunshine within, do some yoga and meditation to strengthen you from the inside out. Use your recovery tools to help with the changes that happen minute by minute. Don’t let your guard down.
Staying on the recovery path is what is critical and essential. No matter what things are thrown at you or how Ed will try to manipulate and throw you off the path, you must be stronger and fight back. You can weather the storm and the sun will shine again.
With hope, love and strength,
Cheryl
