defining recovery

Recovery is a hot topic in my life. This mere eight letter word has become an all encompassing term that refers to many states of being, physical experiences and mindsets. Like many terms, what it means for me is likely different than what it is for you. Though definitions and experience differ (we are all unique after all), there are common themes when it comes to recovery that I have noticed over the years in this lifestyle. Clarifying the meanings and definitions of the words and terms I use brings balance into my life. To be impeccable with my word, live honestly and stay aligned with my values, I speak consciously. Getting clear about what recovery is in my life opens the door for more gratitude, knowledge and possibility.

I am empowered as I claim my personal relationship to a recovery lifestyle. As Life Coach and creative guidess Cat Caracelo recently reminded me, ”the more you know the more you know.” This simple and profound reminder conveys the value of mindful living, having a willingness to speak the truth, and explore what is present inside and out (all key concepts of recovery). Defining what I know about recovery now spurs more insight, learning and possibility for growth. The more I know, the more I know. Here is some of what recovery means to me:

1.  Recovery is transforming illness or hardship into teacher.

2.  Recovery is making choices based on the question “is this serving my wellness?”

3.  Recovery is riding the waves of change and choosing wellness as I go.

4.  Recovery is a shift in perspective and perception.

5.  Recovery is daring to be awake and aware.

6.  Recovery is pulling my own covers when it is called for.

7.  Recovery is tucking myself in when I need to be cared for.

8.  Recovery is moving forward gently and courageously.

9.  Recovery is black and white and every color in between.

10.  Recovery is merging what is linear with circular patterns of wholeness.

11.  Recovery is choosing my words with care.

12.  Recovery is stating yes…and rather than okay…but (hello, personal responsibility!).

13.  Recovery is seeing that nothing is totally personal.

14.  Recovery is forgiving so that I can be free.

15.  Recovery is showing up for what comes and reawakening to the present moment.

16.  Recovery is making choices from a place of faith.

17.  Recovery is expanding into miracles.

18.  Recovery is dreams coming true.

19.  Recovery is healing happening.

20.  Recovery is surrendering to the truth of the situation at hand and letting it be part of the journey.

21.  Recovery is feeling feelings and letting them move on through.

22.  Recovery is cultivating self-knowledge.

23.  Recovery is discovery, getting to know my own inner landscape.

24.  Recovery is practicing honesty with self and others.

25.  Recovery is releasing old patterns that perpetuate fear and limitation.

26.  Recovery is a spiritual development adventure.

27.  Recovery is learning new habits and embracing “the beginner’s mind.”

28.  Recovery is finding the faith muscle and exercising it.

29.  Recovery is waking up to the authentic self.

30.  Recovery is a quest of mapping the landscapes of where I’ve been and where I am now.

31.  Recovery is remembering and releasing stories that no longer define me.

32.  Recovery is activating imagination and visioning. In the words of Brene Brown, recovery is all about “daring greatly” to be me.

33.  Recovery is realigning with my true self in all my shades and shapes.

34.  Recovery is retelling the story to uncover what is ready to be heard and healed.

35.  Recovery is revising the meanings I have given things that really aren’t true.

36.  Recovery is reinventing identity and claiming new truth.

37.  Recovery is questioning my thoughts and changing my relationship to them.

38.  Recovery is redesigning patterns and lifestyle choices so they propel me in wellness.

39.  Recovery is reclaiming core values, dreams and goals.

40.  Recovery is practicing self-care.

41.  Recovery is committing to self-love.

42.  Recovery is aligning with principles that support thriving.

43.  Recovery is acceptance.

44.  Recovery is taking an honest inventory.

45.  Recovery is making conscious choice and taking conscious action.

46.  Recovery is paving my own path and learning from the experiences of others.

47.  Recovery is claiming self-direction and getting to know the language of my inner compass/intuition.

48.  Recovery is participating fully in life.

49.  Recovery is acknowledging the spectrum of experience.

50.  Recovery is taking responsibility for my experience and choosing again.

51.  Recovery is returning to faith in the process even when fear comes

52.  Recovery is more than a word. It is a lifestyle, a choice made again and again.

53.  Recovery is a verb and a noun; an action and a thing.

54.  Recovery is giving myself what I want from others.

55.  Recovery is sharing with others what I want for myself.

56.  Recovery is embracing my humanness and tending to the wounded places.

57.  Recovery is letting substances go (goodbye, drugs and alcohol!).

58.  Recovery is allowing clarity, joy, peace, freedom and fulfillment to come.

59.  Recovery is trusting the process, even when I don’t have a clue how it’ll “all work out.”

60.  Recovery is opening to the forces that are spinning this world ‘round.

61.  Recovery is relaxing into the wonder.

62.  Recovery is being the best friend I can be, to myself.

63.  Recovery is treating myself with the honor, respect and affection.

64.  Recovery is extending my love to those nearest and dearest to me.

65.  Recovery is realigning with what fits with my life now, and doing it again and again and again.

What does recovery look like in your life?

Do you identify with any of these aspects of being?

The more you know, the more you know… so let’s get to exploring, shall we?

Share with me what comes and how a lifestyle of recovery is benefiting you.

As always, I am here to support and cheer on.

Loving the awake and aware life,

Darcy


This article is featured in Simply...Woman Magazine at http://www.simplywoman.com/darcy-lubow-defines-recovery-for-her-and-maybe-for-you/

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