Recovery has given me practices that act like bumpers, keeping me from drifting too close to the edge. Meetings, prayer, meditation, reaching out to others, service, creativity, and connection all help keep me in the middle, not only of my sobriety, but of my mental, emotional, and spiritual recovery.

Today, with Boris cuddling up on my lap, I talk about the small choices I make to stay connected to recovery: prioritizing AA instead of trying to squeeze it into my life, reaching out when someone crosses my mind, finding new ways to connect with my fellowship, and using this podcast as a form of service. I also share how a conversation about art reminded me that recovery and creativity don't have to live in separate parts of my life. Staying in the middle is continuing to build a life filled with the people, practices, and passions that keep me grounded.

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I heard someone say this morning, “I’m an actor, and I’m trying to fix the lights on me.” And immediately I thought: That’s it.

How often am I trying to control the entire production instead of simply playing my part? In this episode of Recovery Daily, I talk about surrender, acceptance, willingness, and trusting God’s plan when I don’t particularly like the journey. Sobriety and stroke recovery have both taught me that I don’t have to understand the route before I trust who I’m traveling it with.

Sometimes the next right thing means changing my perception. Sometimes it means setting a boundary, doing something differently, or getting uncomfortable enough to stop repeating what isn’t working. And sometimes it means doing absolutely nothing and allowing things to unfold without my interference. I have to choose differently before I can feel differently. Because nothing changes unless something changes, and that change usually begins with willingness.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts:

Rather listen on Apple Podcasts? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recovery-daily-podcast/id1693924779

New products available! Visit my Recovery Upcycling Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

I used to believe grieving meant stopping my life to get over a loss, resolve it, let it go, and figure out how to make it hurt less. But, I’m learning that we instead carry grief while we continue to live. We respond to loss in very different ways and none of them are wrong. Today I reflected on a loss from my younger years that I held onto for far too long. I had made an immature decision all those years ago to never let go. I understand more today that letting go doesn’t mean letting go of the person, the love, or the memories. Instead, it is letting go of the pain and holding on to the memories and energy that serve me in my life. I can allow grief to hurt and still laugh. I can remember someone and still make plans for tomorrow. And even when I am powerless over what has happened, I can still choose where I anchor my thoughts.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts:

Rather listen on Apple Podcasts? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recovery-daily-podcast/id1693924779

New products available! Visit my Recovery Upcycling Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling