Recovery - The Process of Staying in Your Good Place

I define recovery as staying in a good space. But what does that mean? How can an individual cope with the internal conflicts of self-doubt and symptoms let alone the external battles with discrimination—in the workplace, housing, and barriers to treatment? Moreover, the universal unspoken code of widespread fears and social ostracizing. My ability to endure, cope, and to keep pressing forward demands that I relentlessly challenge the mind wars through my recovery tools. 

    Most people do not understand what it's like to live with a mental health condition, but they can testify that resiliency is a part of the human experience. Naturally we rediscover ways to bounce back from heartbreak, unemployment, and feelings of hopelessness. Yet, the choice to practice healthy strategies to persevere or destructive methods to get by is on us. Quick fixes are fleeting moments of relief which eventually leads to more problems. However, going through the process to develop creative solutions to complex problems enables us to gain balance, confidence, and the strength to overcome. Self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous are examples of the power in the process to manage recovery and life. 

    People like me (individuals living with a diagnosis) have to produce alternative ways to cope. Coping tools may include: making art, playing music, participating in therapy, exercising, engaging in community service, getting and giving peer support, articulating recovery stories, mastering hobbies and skills, etc. Still, how can we stay in a good place to overcome mind wars? What does recovery look like? Recovery is unique—we must remember that and take ownership of our coping weapons to live well.

    I choose to focus on confidence-building techniques to maintain wellness. Yes, recovery is about doing those things that supports wellness, but also incorporates self-healing. During my last hospitalization I focused on creating a positive atmosphere. I did what I can with what I had. I would sing lullabies to myself as if I were singing to my child. I played spades with peers. I walked around the courtyard. I reflected on stories from the Bible, recited affirmations, requested a journal to write my thoughts, and prayed for my wellness and reunion with family. To have a good day I encourage myself. 

    Now I light white candles while I worship my higher power. I say my prayers aloud to talk to The One as if I were discussing concerns in my mind. I listen to motivational speakers almost every single morning to remind myself of my potential. My potential to develop skills. My potential to be a better individual. My potential to maintain wellness. 

    Because mental illness is a severe medical condition I work diligently to manage resources in order to take control of my health. I strive to keep my doctor appointments. I take my medication as prescribed. I create the agenda for discussion with my therapist, and journal daily to reflect on stressors and also resolutions. Recently, I joined the gym to get toned, energy, and stress relief. I do these things to manifest wellness. I do these things to stay balanced. I do these things to stay in my good place because my recovery demands it. I conquer my mind wars of self-doubt, symptoms, and self-stigma by focusing on the process of self-empowerment and healing. 

    Finally, recovery is the process of staying in your good space. Recovery is about self-care, self-empowerment, and sticking to your health plan. Will you choose the short-cut to wellness, or commit to the process? Your unique recovery demands much. It requires your strength and courage to manage. What works for you? What things can you do to encourage yourself? Have you made this a part of your routine? What tools will you use to create your recovery atmosphere?