An Advocate’s Gratitude
When considering what to write about, it only seemed appropriate to reflect on this past year I’ve spent as an advocate and what I am thankful for.
As an advocate for the Heroes in Recovery movement, I have been blessed with a role that has allowed my world to grow from the inside out. Writing blogs allows me to put words to my thoughts and feelings about my recovery as a family member. Interviewing someone who is willing to share his or her story of recovery in order to possibly help others is an honor and is humbling at the same time. Taking part in community events to share the goal of the movement, which is to remove the stigma of addiction, makes me feel good about myself and opens my eyes to how much work there is to be done. I am just a small part of what needs to happen. Running and volunteering for the HIR 6k races with people who have the same goal of supporting the recovery process is both inspiring and motivating. I am truly grateful for the personal growth this has brought into my life.
Being grateful also ties right in with a question that all the advocates were asked recently. What gift has recovery given you? Our answers were as different as our personalities: peace of mind, new life, relationships with parents and new friends that we have bonded with. Although each gift we have been given is different, there is a common thread that brought them to us all. We would not have received these gifts without our willingness to honestly open ourselves up to others. Sharing and communicating is what recovery is all about. I have immense respect for all those who have shared themselves with us this year, all for the greater good. All of the stories and blogs are shining a new light on the face of recovery.
Whether as someone who is in recovery, as a family member or as a friend, I am grateful to everyone who visits this website to support and contributes to the mission of the Heroes in Recovery movement. Here’s to a great 2013!