Today Is My First Day in Recovery, and Can Be Yours Too

Several years ago, I noticed a man on the side of the road as I walked. I stopped to talk. With all his belongings at his side, he smiled, “Today is the first day of my recovery.”

At the time, I shamefully made too many assumptions. Yet, every recovery has a first day, and any day can be the first day of a recovery. I don’t remember the man’s name or what he looked like. But I hope he is well and thriving. It took me some years to fully grasp the wisdom in what he had to share.

The word recovery has mostly been circulated in substance use groups. More recently, it has been adopted by mental health and eating disorder communities. There has been some criticism of its use regarding mental illness because many experience these as lifelong conditions. Yet, many argue that recovery does not have to mean a cure.

Recovery means more than stopping the use of a substance or freedom from mental health symptoms. It’s a reclamation of one’s life from something that had captured it. A person can be free of substance use or mental health symptoms, yet be far from recovery. Similarly, a person in recovery may have times of relapse or experience mental health difficulties at times.

Recovery is self-defined but often involves elements of change, reconnection with others, relationship healing, processing painful memories, self-forgiveness, and enacting meaningful steps toward valued goals.

My Recovery

My mental health recovery has been a journey that has extended to my whole health. I have come a long way. Yet, there is no clear endpoint here; it’s an unending trek.

Today is the first day of my recovery concerning how I care for my physical wellness. As I type, this day is about six months to Halloween, a pace marker that I feel is realistic. I’ve decided to improve how I fuel my body by integrating a variety of foods rather than only my sweet-spot favorites. There will be no weigh-ins or counting calories; those aren’t parts of my goal. I hope to feel healthier.

It’s a small step and admittedly a somewhat dubious one. I undoubtedly will have days where I miss the target or may need a reboot. That’s how recovery is.

Your Recovery

You don’t have to be seeking substance use, eating disorders, or mental health recovery to appreciate the principles of recovery. If there are any life changes you wish to make, or even if you desire to take inventory of where your life is going, you can benefit. Recovery is for everyone. Today is the first day of my recovery, and it can be the first day of yours, too.