I want you to keep in mind even though you might stumble on your journey. If you keep going, you’ll find your mountain peak. I’ve stumbled more times than I can count, which doesn’t make me weak.

My lessons I learned from reaching rock bottom 

<img alt="Sandy Pace" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*pfzToagv6ImCsoQMMQpJhg@2x" width="48" height="48">Recovery isn’t only about the destination. It’s also about the journey<figure><img alt="Image for post" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*bzoeIUf4HT8uabOknGat_g.jpeg" width="680" height="453"><figcaption class="ie if db cz da ig ih aw b fc ca cb" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Photo by Joshua Earle on <a href="https://unsplash.com/@joshuaearle" class="ce ii" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>It’s been nine years since I was in rehab for the final time. I remember thinking during my last week in the hospital, I can’t wait for the day my mental illness and psychological trauma disappear.Did my issues like trauma and anxiety go away? No, and neither will your issues completely vanish, but with the help of psychological tools and qualified professionals.Those issues won’t dominate your life, and you’ll be on the right track for finding your healthy place. While remembering these tips throughout your recovery journey. I’ve found helpful in my journey<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Getting support takes strength and courage</h1>Stigma conditions us to believe untrue beliefs like we’re a burden or weak. It’s this stigma that causes us to stigmatize ourselves, and many times because of this stigma we suffer in silence.Instead of getting therapeutic and pharmaceutical support. We tell ourselves things like maybe they’re right and I am a burden and I don’t deserve to get help.I want you to keep in mind when you are self-conscious about getting support.Qualified professionals are a vital part of your treatment and a necessary part of your recovery. Do you know what isn’t a vital part of that treatment? Unsolicited advice from self-proclaimed experts.When you have the right medication, physician or therapist. It’ll help you become a stronger person. That being said, it won’t make your life problem-free, but it’ll give you the tools to properly cope with what life throws your way.When you take care of your mental health it isn’t selfish. It’s selfless!<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Compassion is a must for your self-care toolbox</h1><BLOCKQUOTE>“Loving yourself…does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honoured guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion”. — Margo Anand</BLOCKQUOTE>Living with a mental illness or substance abuse issue isn’t fun. In fact, it can overwhelm the best of us. No matter which stage of recovery your in recovery is tough.One thing that makes this more difficult is when other people belittle your struggles. I’ve been there and know much it hurts when you’re told by a parent. You don’t have ADHD, you’re just lazy and stupid, suck it up, I’m sick of your complaining.When you experience abuse, even it wasn’t intentional, that doesn’t make it hurt less or any less valid. It makes you go through a lot of your life believing you deserve to get treated in that manner. This leads to many more psychological issues such as traumaWhen I get into my toxic self-talk cycle, a lot of times, it’s due to how my family treated my mental health issues. It made me feel I’m not good enough and many other self-defeating beliefs.It’s led me to develop an unhealthy self-talk habit I’m still working on with my therapist. A few examples are; I’m not good enough, I’m stupid, what’s the point in trying. You name it, I’ve said it to myself more times than I like to count, I’m even saying it to myself as I write this article.Many of us have our own version of this negative self-talk and it can be toxicWhen I go down that metaphorical rabbit hole. The first thing I tell myself is even though others don’t acknowledge how they treated me. It’s alright to acknowledge how it has affected me.That doesn’t make me weak, it makes me human. Then I think, I’m no longer blaming myself for the actions and behaviour of other people because that’s their responsibility.I focus on how it makes me feel. While thinking about what’s in my power to help cope with those negative feelings.While looking at things like my negative self-talk, and remembering where I’ve been and how far I’ve come. In the last decade.Never tell yourself you’re a weak person for feeling the way you feel. Acknowledging your emotions takes strength and a necessary part of your treatmentThat being said, there will be times you struggle, fail and feel frustrated at your lack of progress. Remember, that’s normal. With the help of therapy and things like coping skills. Those struggles will have less of a hold on youTry to be patient with yourself and yes I know that is easier said than done, but it’s important to show yourself compassion. Through activities like celebrating your little wins or keeping a gratitude journalWhen I do this, it puts things in perspective and helps me to see I’ve made progressYou’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to be proud of your accomplishments. Plus, psychological issues run deep and take time to understand and heal<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Recovery is about the journey, not just the destination because they’re interconnected</h1>I remember when I first stood up in an NA meeting in January 2010. I said those famous words. My name is Sandy and I’m an addict! I didn’t even finish the sentence before I burst into tears because I can say that was the scariest moment of my life.I’ve come to terms with my struggles in the last few years. Now I can say I have a stronger understanding of recovery and myself. This has helped me to no longer be ashamed of my mental health issues.Going through recovery or living with a mental illness reminds me of this metaphorOne day there’s going to be a day you reach the top of your mountain. That day will be unexpected, and you’ll look at everything you’ve overcome. With a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and peace.Instead of being ashamed of all you’ve overcome or ashamed of your mental illness. You’ll let those things take a seat next to you as both of you enjoy the view.Not just because you’re no longer ashamed of your struggles. Not because you no longer need medication or therapy. Because those things helped you become stronger than you thought possibleI want you to keep in mind even though you might stumble on your journey. If you keep going, you’ll find your mountain peak. I’ve stumbled more times than I can count, which doesn’t make me weak.It makes me (And it makes you human because none of us are perfect) human!Here’s a link from an article on my struggles I wrote for <a href="https://liberomagazine.com/mentalhealth/asking-for-help-is-strength/" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Libero Magazine</a>.Recovery for me wasn’t what I expected it to be. It was an unexpected journey that led me down a road I’m glad I traveled. Now I help people with their metaphorical battles.My substance abuse, ADHD and trauma are a part of me and without those facets of my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am now. Even though there are times they make me feel weak. In the long run, I’m stronger for the lessons they’ve taught me.Without those lessons, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to support others with their mental illness and substance abuse issues. Sometimes the hard things we go through shape us for the better even though it may not seem like it.Some day you’ll get to that place where you and your struggles or mental illness sit next to each other in peaceThinking about where I’ve been is weird and it also makes me glad I’m still here to help othersIt’s even weirder thinking about where I am now. It’s scary and humbling in so many ways. I’m becoming a certified peer support worker, I’m in great shape, I’m an accomplished writer and nearly done writing my second book.It’s a feeling that I honestly can’t put into words. Considering nine years ago on the day I wrote this article. I was admitted in the hospital for close to a month for substance abuse<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Lastly, if you ever feel lost or hopeless on your journey. Remember, these tips for staying on track</h1><UL><LI>I know you hear this a lot, but it’s true! It’s ok to not be ok!</LI><LI>Use your mistakes as an opportunity to evolve and grow</LI><LI>Instead of avoiding uncomfortable things, learn healthy coping strategies for dealing with those obstacles</LI><LI>Focus on the relationship you have with yourself above all</LI><LI>Be honest with yourself and with your doctor or therapist</LI><LI>Build a strong sense of self through skills like self-awareness and self-acceptance</LI><LI>Don’t feel bad about making positive changes</LI><LI>Be patient and focus on making long term changes not quick fixes</LI><LI>Keep a gratitude journal</LI><LI>Focus on what works for you and remember psychological issues are complicated and different for everyone</LI><LI>Focusing on what’s within your control isn’t easy, but it’s empowering. It also helps to cope with the things that are not in your control</LI><LI>Asking for help is terrifying but worth it and it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength and courage</LI><LI>Practice <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">SMART</a> goals</LI><LI>Be mindful of your <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">cognitive distortions</a></LI><LI>Treat yourself for your little and big wins. While remembering, small steps forward and big steps forward have one thing in common. Both of them are steps in the right direction and small steps turn into giant leaps.</LI><LI>Don’t compare your progress to other people’s progress. A healthier way to measure your progress is to base it on your own successes.</LI></UL>

It’s been nine years since I was in rehab for the final time. I remember thinking during my last week in the hospital, I can’t wait for the day my mental illness and psychological trauma disappear…

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

mindfulness

Mindfulness

health

Health

mentalhealth

Mental Health

meditation

Meditation

Recovery isn’t only about the destination. It’s also about the journey

It’s been nine years since I was in rehab for the final time. I remember thinking during my last week in the hospital, I can’t wait for the day my mental illness and psychological trauma disappear.

Did my issues like trauma and anxiety go away? No, and neither will your issues completely vanish, but with the help of psychological tools and qualified professionals.

Those issues won’t dominate your life, and you’ll be on the right track for finding your healthy place. While remembering these tips throughout your recovery journey. I’ve found helpful in my journey

Getting support takes strength and courage

Stigma conditions us to believe untrue beliefs like we’re a burden or weak. It’s this stigma that causes us to stigmatize ourselves, and many times because of this stigma we suffer in silence.

Instead of getting therapeutic and pharmaceutical support. We tell ourselves things like maybe they’re right and I am a burden and I don’t deserve to get help.

I want you to keep in mind when you are self-conscious about getting support.

Qualified professionals are a vital part of your treatment and a necessary part of your recovery. Do you know what isn’t a vital part of that treatment? Unsolicited advice from self-proclaimed experts.

When you have the right medication, physician or therapist. It’ll help you become a stronger person. That being said, it won’t make your life problem-free, but it’ll give you the tools to properly cope with what life throws your way.

When you take care of your mental health it isn’t selfish. It’s selfless!

Compassion is a must for your self-care toolbox

“Loving yourself…does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honoured guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion”. — Margo Anand

Living with a mental illness or substance abuse issue isn’t fun. In fact, it can overwhelm the best of us. No matter which stage of recovery your in recovery is tough.

One thing that makes this more difficult is when other people belittle your struggles. I’ve been there and know much it hurts when you’re told by a parent. You don’t have ADHD, you’re just lazy and stupid, suck it up, I’m sick of your complaining.

When you experience abuse, even it wasn’t intentional, that doesn’t make it hurt less or any less valid. It makes you go through a lot of your life believing you deserve to get treated in that manner. This leads to many more psychological issues such as trauma

When I get into my toxic self-talk cycle, a lot of times, it’s due to how my family treated my mental health issues. It made me feel I’m not good enough and many other self-defeating beliefs.

It’s led me to develop an unhealthy self-talk habit I’m still working on with my therapist. A few examples are; I’m not good enough, I’m stupid, what’s the point in trying. You name it, I’ve said it to myself more times than I like to count, I’m even saying it to myself as I write this article.

Many of us have our own version of this negative self-talk and it can be toxic

When I go down that metaphorical rabbit hole. The first thing I tell myself is even though others don’t acknowledge how they treated me. It’s alright to acknowledge how it has affected me.

That doesn’t make me weak, it makes me human. Then I think, I’m no longer blaming myself for the actions and behaviour of other people because that’s their responsibility.

I focus on how it makes me feel. While thinking about what’s in my power to help cope with those negative feelings.While looking at things like my negative self-talk, and remembering where I’ve been and how far I’ve come. In the last decade.

Never tell yourself you’re a weak person for feeling the way you feel. Acknowledging your emotions takes strength and a necessary part of your treatment

That being said, there will be times you struggle, fail and feel frustrated at your lack of progress. Remember, that’s normal. With the help of therapy and things like coping skills. Those struggles will have less of a hold on you

Try to be patient with yourself and yes I know that is easier said than done, but it’s important to show yourself compassion. Through activities like celebrating your little wins or keeping a gratitude journal

When I do this, it puts things in perspective and helps me to see I’ve made progress

You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to be proud of your accomplishments. Plus, psychological issues run deep and take time to understand and heal

Recovery is about the journey, not just the destination because they’re interconnected

I remember when I first stood up in an NA meeting in January 2010. I said those famous words. My name is Sandy and I’m an addict! I didn’t even finish the sentence before I burst into tears because I can say that was the scariest moment of my life.

I’ve come to terms with my struggles in the last few years. Now I can say I have a stronger understanding of recovery and myself. This has helped me to no longer be ashamed of my mental health issues.

Going through recovery or living with a mental illness reminds me of this metaphor

One day there’s going to be a day you reach the top of your mountain. That day will be unexpected, and you’ll look at everything you’ve overcome. With a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and peace.

Instead of being ashamed of all you’ve overcome or ashamed of your mental illness. You’ll let those things take a seat next to you as both of you enjoy the view.

Not just because you’re no longer ashamed of your struggles. Not because you no longer need medication or therapy. Because those things helped you become stronger than you thought possible

I want you to keep in mind even though you might stumble on your journey. If you keep going, you’ll find your mountain peak. I’ve stumbled more times than I can count, which doesn’t make me weak.

It makes me (And it makes you human because none of us are perfect) human!

Here’s a link from an article on my struggles I wrote for <a href="https://liberomagazine.com/mentalhealth/asking-for-help-is-strength/">Libero Magazine </a>.

Recovery for me wasn’t what I expected it to be. It was an unexpected journey that led me down a road I’m glad I traveled. Now I help people with their metaphorical battles.

My substance abuse, ADHD and trauma are a part of me and without those facets of my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am now. Even though there are times they make me feel weak. In the long run, I’m stronger for the lessons they’ve taught me.

Without those lessons, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to support others with their mental illness and substance abuse issues. Sometimes the hard things we go through shape us for the better even though it may not seem like it.

Some day you’ll get to that place where you and your struggles or mental illness sit next to each other in peace

Thinking about where I’ve been is weird and it also makes me glad I’m still here to help others

It’s even weirder thinking about where I am now. It’s scary and humbling in so many ways. I’m becoming a certified peer support worker, I’m in great shape, I’m an accomplished writer and nearly done writing my second book.

It’s a feeling that I honestly can’t put into words. Considering nine years ago on the day I wrote this article. I was admitted in the hospital for close to a month for substance abuse

Lastly, if you ever feel lost or hopeless on your journey. Remember, these tips for staying on track

<ul><li>I know you hear this a lot, but it’s true! It’s ok to not be ok! </li><li>Use your mistakes as an opportunity to evolve and grow </li><li>Instead of avoiding uncomfortable things, learn healthy coping strategies for dealing with those obstacles </li><li>Focus on the relationship you have with yourself above all </li><li>Be honest with yourself and with your doctor or therapist </li><li>Build a strong sense of self through skills like self-awareness and self-acceptance </li><li>Don’t feel bad about making positive changes </li><li>Be patient and focus on making long term changes not quick fixes </li><li>Keep a gratitude journal </li><li>Focus on what works for you and remember psychological issues are complicated and different for everyone </li><li>Focusing on what’s within your control isn’t easy, but it’s empowering. It also helps to cope with the things that are not in your control </li><li>Asking for help is terrifying but worth it and it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength and courage </li><li>Practice <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm">SMART </a>goals </li><li>Be mindful of your <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/">cognitive distortions </a> </li><li>Treat yourself for your little and big wins. While remembering, small steps forward and big steps forward have one thing in common. Both of them are steps in the right direction and small steps turn into giant leaps. </li><li>Don’t compare your progress to other people’s progress. A healthier way to measure your progress is to base it on your own successes. </li> </ul>

What Does Recovery Mean to You?

My lessons I learned from reaching rock bottom

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